Freeman walks it off, Glasnow dominates as bullpen wobbles again

LOS ANGELES — Freddie Freeman delivered the latest in a string of dramatic moments for the Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon, lacing a walk-off two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs to lift Los Angeles to a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium. The win gave the Dodgers a 4-3 edge in the seven-game season series against Minnesota.

Freeman’s game-winning hit came after Esteury Ruiz worked a crucial walk to load the bases, setting the stage for the veteran first baseman’s clutch swing.

"He didn't throw what I was looking for in the first couple of pitches," Freeman said. "I took the heaters down the middle, but after those, I took a slider, and that changed my plan."

Glasnow’s Gem Wasted? Not Quite.

Tyler Glasnow was electric, pitching seven dominant innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 12 on 106 pitches. The performance gave Los Angeles every chance to win — though the bullpen nearly squandered it.

Kirby Yates opened the eighth inning by walking three consecutive batters, and the Twins capitalized, scoring all three to erase a 2-1 Dodgers lead and put pressure on the offense heading into the final frames.

"Right now, where his split is at, it's been non-competitive. Just no command of it. So that's kind of where he's at,” Roberts said. “We've got to keep running him out there, work on some things with the delivery if that's what it is."

Ohtani’s Historic Tear Continues

Shohei Ohtani launched a solo home run to left field off Twins right-hander Chris Paddack in the first inning, extending his home run streak to five consecutive games. That ties the Dodgers franchise record, shared with Max Muncy (2019), Joc Pederson (2015), Adrian Gonzalez (2014-2015), Matt Kemp (2010), Shawn Green (2001), and Roy Campanella (1950).

Since being moved to the second spot in the batting order on Sunday, Ohtani has homered in every game. He’s also made modern MLB history: Ohtani is now the first left-handed batter in the modern era (since 1901) to have separate career streaks of five or more consecutive games with a home run and five or more consecutive games with a stolen base.

His next start on the mound is scheduled for Wednesday in Cincinnati, with a targeted workload of four innings.

Injury Updates and Pitching Notes

Roki Sasaki is set to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, and if everything goes smoothly, he will travel to Camelback Ranch next week to face live hitters. Meanwhile, Max Muncy is expected to arrive in Arizona on Thursday to begin his live at-bats, with a rehab assignment likely to follow shortly after. 

Left-hander Blake Snell will make one more rehab start before making his return to the Dodgers. However, Tony Gonsolin has not yet resumed throwing, and with time running out for a potential return in 2025, Roberts mentioned that a decision regarding Gonsolin will need to be made soon. 

 “We’re going to have to make a decision with Tony soon,” Roberts said.

Ben Casparius recently underwent an MRI on his right calf, which thankfully came back negative. Although he continues to experience some discomfort, Roberts indicated that the team anticipates keeping him on the active roster. Lastly, Blake Treinen is scheduled to pitch again for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, and if all goes well, he will pitch once more on Thursday in order to complete a back-to-back test—an essential step for his return to the major leagues.

Mookie Betts may miss Friday's game in Boston. "I know he's dealing with some personal matters, so I need to talk to him. We'll see if he’ll be available for the game," Roberts said. "Everything is okay with him, so we’ll find out."

Despite the inconsistencies, Wednesday’s win served as a reminder of the Dodgers’ potential. With Ohtani making history, Freeman walking it off, and Glasnow dealing, the pieces are there — if the pitching can stabilize.