Just hours before the Los Angeles Dodgers entered the field to go against the New York Yankees, Dodgers’ shortstop Mookie Betts was sidelined after sustaining a fractured toe this week. The Dodgers are hopeful that Betts will be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. Apparently, the veteran shortstop couldn’t even put on a shoe on Friday ahead of the Yankees-Dodgers opening series.
As per insider Bob Nightengale, Betts will miss the rest of the Yankees-Dodgers series. However, manager Dave Roberts believes an IL stint will be unnecessary. Cause, it’s mostly about pain tolerance, Roberts believes Betts will recover soon. The dust didn’t settle from that instance, and another unsettling update has surfaced after the matchup. Freddie Freeman has dropped an alarming update on his ankle after the matchup.
You already know how anklehood has been a recurring theme for Freddie Freeman and his 2025 season. Once again, after the game, Freeman confirmed what the Dodgers feared the most.
Freddie Freeman said he sort of aggravated his ankle during the rundown tonight.
— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) May 31, 2025
He revealed that he sort of aggravated his ankle during the rundown on Friday. In the seventh inning, when the Dodgers added two more runs to their lead, Freeman somehow slid under a throw that beat him to home plate by several feet. He didn’t seem like his usual self.
Currently, Freeman is batting at .368 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs and a strong 1.065 OPS. So, his swing isn’t a problem; it’s been more than good enough. But the 35-year-old’s ankle has been a serious issue now.
For the record, Freeman’s ankle is not 100% fine. He slipped and sprained his right ankle on March 30 and was placed on the injured list for 10 days. “I’m not 100 percent,” he said when asked about his ankle. Apparently, each time Freeman runs the bases, it puts extra strain on his surgically repaired ankle. Before every start, the Dodgers’ training staff begins with triage and works on getting his ankle in the right place.
Not to forget, the ongoing injuries in the Dodgers have already been worrisome. Even then, the Dodgers are doing just fine. Speaking of which, remember the last time the Dodgers and Yankees shared the diamond?
It was the 2024 World Series that ended with a heartbreak for the Bronx Bombers and champagne showers for the World Series champions. The Dodgers repeated the script this time. They secured the opener by 8-5. Amidst the celebrations, Freeman’s update, Mookie’s toe injury, and all the ongoing injuries have been a bit concerning.
Dodgers’ injury woes continue to mount
This season, the injuries took a serious toll on the Dodgers. Each setback tested the limits of their vaunted depth. Their rotation and bullpen have been bitten hard by the injury bug. As of late May, the Dodgers have many key arms sidelined.
Freeman’s ankle update coming right ahead of Mookie Betts’ toe injury adds yet another layer to the Dodgers’ injury troubles in 2025. Sure, the World Series champions lead the National League West right now. They remain firm World Series favorites. Especially on the pitching side, the Dodgers’ roster has taken a serious hit. The team has to now dig deeper into their depth.
Rookie sensation Roki Sasaki is on the 15-day injured list for his right shoulder impingement. And well, his velocity already dropped before he met with the injury. According to Dodgers’ pitching coach Mark Prior, Sasaki’s shoulder problems go way back to his time in Japan. Naturally, the Dodgers are forced to proceed with extra caution with Sasaki’s rehab.
The two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is still limited to DH roles as he recovers from surgeries on his right elbow as well as his left shoulder. We won’t be seeing him back on the pitching mound until after the all-star break. Yes, he has begun throwing to live hitters, but his exact return is uncertain.
Blake Snell, a key off-season acquisition, is back to throwing, but there’s no clear timeline for his return. The reigning Cy Young winner has been out with a shoulder inflammation.
Well, these names were just a few and the ones impossible to not address. The list is long. Evan Phillips for right elbow inflammation, Michael Kopech for right shoulder impingement, Emmet Sheehan with Tommy John recovery, Kyle Hurt again with Tommy John recovery, and Blake Treinen with a forearm sprain are still out.
Despite it all, the Dodgers are able to withstand these setbacks. At this point, mainly, the Dodgers cannot lose Betts and Freeman. With more updates on them, we’ll know how the Dodgers will hold up.
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