LOS ANGELES -- Freddie Freeman was removed from Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Padres after five innings with right ankle discomfort, the Dodgers announced. The club's star first baseman has been nursing a sprained right ankle that he sustained during the Sept. 26 win over the Padres that clinched the NL West.

Freeman started at first base in the Dodgers' 10-2 loss on Sunday night, going hitless in two at-bats against Padres starter Yu Darvish. When the Dodgers came out on the field to open the top of the sixth inning, Max Muncy slid over from third to first base in place of Freeman, while Kiké Hernández entered and took over the hot corner.

Before Saturday's Game 1, a 7-5 win that gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the series, Freeman's availability had been in question as he was still feeling some soreness in his ankle. But he was able to get through his pregame work, and with the aid of medication, played all nine innings in the series opener, going 2-for-5 and even swiping second base.

Manager Dave Roberts said before Sunday's game that it had been a "much easier" decision to pencil in Freeman for Game 2.

"I think that he is in the same spot, but I do feel that there's a little more comfort … for Freddie, and knowing kind of where the floor is at for him," Roberts said. "Whereas yesterday, you're just trying to figure out what this means and how it feels. But I think feeling how he felt, how he feels today, he feels that he can get through today and manage it."

Freeman said that he had been told this injury would normally require a four- to six-week injured list stint, but he believed he could play through it after a period of rest and recovery.

“I know I took a big risk with how I’m feeling, but it was just the opportunity presented itself and I had to go for it," Freeman said after Game 1. "Like I said before the game, if I can’t play the game the right way, I shouldn’t be out there. I was doing good enough. Adrenaline took over. Adrenaline has worn off now. I’m tired. It’s a grind this week trying to get myself ready to play."