Freddie Freeman will not be in the starting lineup as the Los Angeles Dodgers open their series against the Baltimore Orioles. However, the star first baseman won’t be placed on the injured list, despite concerns over his health.
According to reports from Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic and Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Freeman is being rested to allow the fractured middle finger on his right hand some time to heal. The Dodgers, who had a day off on Monday, are taking a cautious approach to his recovery.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision to rest Freeman during a press briefing at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday. In Freeman’s absence, Kiké Hernandez will start at first base for only the second time this season and will bat ninth. Teoscar Hernández is batting third, following Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in the lineup.
Freeman, 34, has been a key player for the Dodgers this season, posting a .284 batting average with 17 home runs and 73 RBIs. His .382 on-base percentage is the best on the team and ranks second in the National League, while his .475 slugging percentage contributes to an impressive .856 OPS (141 OPS+).
An All-Star selection in July, Freeman missed eight games earlier this season due to his son Max’s battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Since returning, Freeman has been hampered by the hairline fracture in his right middle finger, which has affected his recent performance. Through Sunday, Freeman is just 3-for-23 with seven strikeouts.
Freeman is currently under a six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers, which runs through 2027. A five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and the 2020 National League MVP, Freeman has yet to be placed on the injured list since joining the Dodgers in 2022.
Last season, Freeman led the National League in doubles (59) while hitting 29 home runs and slugging .567. This year, his slugging percentage has dropped by nearly 100 points, raising concerns about his power output. If Freeman’s performance can benefit from additional rest, a stint on the injured list might become necessary to ensure his long-term health and productivity.
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