First baseman Freddie Freeman had to sit out just before Opening Day due to rib discomfort. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Dodgers adjusted well and came out on top, but now all eyes are on Freeman’s health moving forward. He’s hopeful about his recovery, but Freeman’s injury history has raised some concerns.
Freddie Freeman Says 75% Chance He Plays in Game 2 of Tokyo Series
Freeman was unexpectedly pulled from the Opening Day lineup against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo due to discomfort in his left rib. He was set to bat third and play first base but felt pain during his last batting practice session, similar to the rib injury he dealt with in the postseason last year.
Freeman, however, is optimistic about returning, saying he has a 75% chance of playing in the next game, depending on how he feels.
Freeman said, “Just kind of felt something in my same spot as the playoffs — the left side. I tried to play through it. I got ruled out on the first day, but I just felt it, probably my third to last swing.”
When asked about playing in the next game, Freeman responded, “Yeah, I’m good. It’s not as bad — absolutely not. They told me I got a 75% chance of playing tomorrow, so we’ll see.”
He added, “I’ll come in tomorrow and see how it is, and if not, I probably won’t push it. But I heard a 75% chance of being able to play, so I’m going in with high hopes.”
Max Muncy said the Dodgers found out about Freddie Freeman being scratched from the lineup when everyone else did.
"We all know he wanted to be out there with us." pic.twitter.com/e86MW7Z6sI
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 18, 2025
Freeman endured a tough 2024 MLB season. He fractured his middle finger in August but played through it, proving his commitment to the team. Later, he sprained his right ankle, limiting his role in the NLDS and NLCS.
Despite that, he managed to play through broken rib cartilage during the World Series, helping the Dodgers win the championship and earning the World Series MVP title.
Due to Freeman’s absence, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made some lineup adjustments. Kiké Hernández, who was originally set to play left field, shifted to first base in place of Freeman. Thus, Michael Conforto was inserted into the lineup to play left field.
Roberts said, “It was the same rib that affected him during the postseason — not as severe. I thought we made the right decision not playing him tonight, and we’ll see how he comes in tomorrow. So right now, I’m not too concerned.”
Despite Freeman’s absence, the Dodgers found a way to win 4-1 against the Cubs, making some last-minute adjustments along the way.