Ready to see Freeman sharpen his swing? The Dodgers enjoy five idle days before the NLDS, and the veteran slugger says the break lets him fine‑tune his mechanics while his knee feels solid. He logged a modest .235/.305/.283 line with one homer in his last 187 plate appearances, hampered by patellar tendinitis. Freeman won’t blame the dip on bad habits; he simply admits he played poorly.
Edgardo Henriquez returns from a 15‑day stint after lower‑back trouble sidelined him since Sept. 13. Los Angeles activated the right‑hander, eyeing him for the NLDS roster. Manager Dave Roberts says Henriquez will likely throw an advanced session Wednesday, either a live bullpen or a simulated game versus hitters. In his rookie full season he flashed a 100.7 mph fastball, posting a 2.85 ERA, 29.3% strikeout rate and 10.3% walk rate over 60 innings.
More updates arrive from two other NL playoff clubs. The injury trail underscores how depth will be tested as the postseason looms.
- Bryce Elder missed 3–4 weeks after minor surgery to extract bone chips from his right knee on Sept. 8, so he wasn’t on the Braves’ Wild Card roster. Yet he faced four batters in a live BP session Monday and says the rehab feels solid, though his return timeline remains unclear. “We have a checklist; if it’s too long, I won’t be able to go,” he explained. Atlanta’s Game 1 win over Philadelphia pushes the Braves nearer to a NLDS showdown with the Dodgers, but Elder’s availability by Saturday is still uncertain.
- As the Brewers rest during their bye, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy shares health notes from the camp. Andrew Vaughn is back in full baseball action and should be game‑ready Saturday after missing time with flu‑like symptoms since Sept. 22. Joey Ortiz participates on a limited basis while the club eases his lingering aches. Most intriguingly, Brandon Woodruff awaits clearance from Dr. Keith Meister to resume mound work after completing a five‑week throwing program. His season seemed over after July shoulder surgery, yet he earned permission to throw in late August and still harbors a faint chance to pitch if Milwaukee advances deep. Will Woodruff be ready if the Brewers mount a playoff surge?