LOS ANGELES (AP) — Freddie Freeman is in the Dodgers' lineup for Game 1 of the National League Championship against the Mets on Sunday, which was expected but will nonetheless be an ongoing subplot as the first baseman continues to deal with a sprained right ankle .

Freeman had four hits in 14 at-bats in the NLDS, all singles, although at least one of them was a clear double for a person with sound legs. He even stole a base during the series, in Game 1.

In Game 5 on Friday, Freeman's ankle was heavily taped as he was tested with four groundballs in the first six innings, with pitchers more than willing to cover first base. After the last of those groundouts, in the sixth inning, the Dodgers called a mound visit with catcher Will Smith and the rest of the infield while Freeman remained at first base to get some rest.

“Tonight we all said to Freddie, 'We got you,'” third baseman Max Muncy said Friday.

The Dodgers will treat Freeman's ankle throughout the NLCS, with particular concerns next Monday as Game 2 begins in the afternoon after a night game in Game 1. That's possible if Freeman has a rest day, coupled with the scheduled rest day on Tuesday.

“My goal is – and I think Freddie would say the same thing – to play every game,” manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday. “I think my message to him is: let’s not get too far ahead of things and worry about the day ahead.”

With Miguel Rojas not on the NLCS roster, Tommy Edman is at shortstop and Kiké Hernández gets the job in center field, his third straight start.