Freddie Freeman said on September 24, 2026, that the Los Angeles Dodgers will use their first-round bye to rest and prepare for Saturday after a strong six-month season.
Freeman said the Dodgers played strong baseball for six straight months and that the rest was earned: “We get rewarded for that. So, we'll take it in and rest up and get ourselves ready to go for Saturday.” The Dodgers will prepare for the NLDS, according to the relationship described in the team’s plan.
Freeman stated that the Dodgers are focused on their next three games rather than past results against playoff opponents: “All we care about is playing good this weekend, these three games.” He added, “Play some good baseball this weekend and take it into next week.”
Freeman noted that the team is trending well because its players are healthy, saying, “Yeah, everyone's healthy.” He praised Mookie Betts, Will Smith and Kyle, while the provided statement also identified Shohei Ohtani and Taylor among the recent offensive contributors: “Muki's been hot. Taylor's been swinging the bat great. Will's been really good lately, too.”
Freeman explained that the team has been working since February through the 162-game schedule, making the rest meaningful: “We've been grinding since February, you know, getting ready for the season.” He also regarded Tyler Glasnow as one of four number-one-caliber starters, stating, “We have four number one starters.” Asked about his knee, Freeman said, “Kne's good. I feel nothing.”
The Dodgers’ immediate outlook is to rest during the first-round bye, prepare for Saturday and carry their play into the following week, while Freeman’s stated plan remains focused on the next three games.