Dodgers Notes: Freddie Freeman On Batting Cleanup, Austin Barnes’ Setback, And an Unlikely Reunion

Bobby Miller didn’t have the start he or the Dodgers were hoping for Tuesday in Miami as the Dodgers lost 11-9 to the Marlins. He allowed four runs in two innings, raising his ERA to 8.52 in what might have been his final start of 2024.

The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the National League West fell to 8, as the San Diego Padres lost Tuesday to the Houston Astros.

Here are all the headlines you might have missed Tuesday:

Freeman Adapts to Cleanup Role

The Dodgers recently adjusted their batting lineup, moving Freddie Freeman to the cleanup spot, primarily to break up their run of back-to-back left-handed hitters with Shohei Ohtani. The matchup strategy, designed to thwart opponents from using left-handed relievers against two of the Dodgers’ best hitters, has Freeman embracing the role despite the apparent demotion in the batting order.

Barnes Sidelined Again with Toe Injury

Dodger catcher Austin Barnes has been placed on the 10-day injured list again due to a newly discovered fracture in his left big toe — in a separate but nearly identical location to an earlier injury last month. This is a blow to the Dodgers’ lineup, coming amid a critical part of the season. Hunter Feduccia has been recalled from Triple-A to fill in during Barnes’ absence. Despite the setback, there is still hope that Barnes could return for the postseason.

No Reunion for Dodgers, Former MVP Cody Bellinger: Report

A new report suggests that Cody Bellinger, a former MVP and once a key figure for the Dodgers, is unlikely to reunite with the team in the upcoming season. Bellinger, who has had mixed success since leaving the Dodgers, is expected to remain with the Chicago Cubs as per his contract structure. This development could end speculation of his possible return to the Dodgers.

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Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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