Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman’s NLDS Struggles Leave Dodger Fans Disappointed
Both Betts and Freeman faced challenges in the NLDS, raising questions about their postseason performance.
In a season filled with promise and anticipation, Mookie Betts found himself in a situation no one expected during this year’s NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. As Dodger fans held their breath, hoping for Betts to shine on the grandest stage, the star outfielder couldn’t even record a hit. This disappointing turn of events left not only Betts but also his teammates, Dodger management, and fans feeling let down. Let’s delve into the details of Betts’ postseason struggle and what it means for the Dodgers moving forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, two of the biggest stars in the game, struggled to perform at their best during the NLDS.
- Both players faced nagging injuries that impacted their offensive prowess in the postseason.
- Despite their NLDS struggles, Betts and Freeman remain crucial to the Dodgers’ October aspirations.
The regular season had painted a different picture for Betts, where he exhibited incredible skill and consistency. Many anticipated a fierce battle for the National League MVP award between Betts and Ronald Acuña, Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. However, when the spotlight shone the brightest in the NLDS, Betts fell short of expectations.
During a recent exit interview, Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman struggled to provide a definitive answer for Betts‘ and Freddie Freeman’s postseason struggles. This perplexing issue extends beyond this year, as Betts had also faced challenges in the previous two postseasons.
The woes for Betts and Freeman were not confined to the NLDS alone. Both players endured a slump during September, which continued into the playoffs. Freeman’s troubles began in the first weekend of September when he fouled a ball off his knee. Meanwhile, in the decisive game against the Miami Marlins, Betts fouled a ball off his foot. While these nagging injuries didn’t prevent them from taking the field, they undeniably affected their offensive capabilities.
“Going into any postseason, Mookie and Freddie would be among the highest drafted if you got to just draft going into October who you have. Obviously, Mookie did not perform this DS or last DS. Last DS he hit a lot of hard balls that were caught, this one a lot of our guys were stuck in between. I know it’s not from a lack of effort and caring. So, then it’s about doing everything we can if we’re fortunate enough to win the division and have those five days off, what’s the right balance for everybody, and each guy’s probably a little bit different in terms of what we do to put them in the best position. I don’t know the answer to it, but I know it’s not for a lack of effort or caring. And so, going into what I hope is a postseason run in 2024, I would be on Mookie performing really well because he’s that talented of a player and he’s also had that success in October.”
As the Dodgers set their sights on future postseasons, the performances of Betts and Freeman become pivotal. Their ability to perform when it matters most can make the difference between early exits and deep runs in October. Dodgers’ fans can only hope that these star players regain their postseason form in the coming years, ensuring a more successful playoff journey for the team.
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