Freddie Freeman Not in Lineup For Dodgers’ Series Finale vs Cardinals
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman will not play in Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Freeman is dealing with a jammed finger. He left in the eighth inning of Saturday’s matchup with swelling in his right hand after jamming it while fielding a ground ball.
Freeman was replaced by Kiké Hernández at first base and the utility player will take his place again in the series finale. The entire infield made a switch to accommodate Freeman’s absence on Saturday. Miguel Rojas moved to third base and Nick Ahmed entered the final innings of the game to play shortstop so Hernández could fill in at first.
Freeman’s x-rays came out negative which puts him in a day-to-day status. Given the impending postseason, the Dodgers will likely take a cautious approach with Freeman. The club wouldn’t want to play him too soon and make the injury worse.
Before his injury, Freeman was 1-for-3 against the Cardinals and posted an RBI. Freeman’s RBI single gave Los Angeles an early lead but the Cardinals responded to clinch a 5-2 win.
Freeman also missed time starting July 26, after his son Maximus was hospitalized and later diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The Freeman family shared via social media that Maximus had a rare neurological condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own nerves.
This marks what seems like the hundredth injury the Dodgers club has endured, from pitching staff to position players. Although Freeman’s injury is minor, it’s definitely something to monitor. Freeman is a consistent force in the lineup and makes a huge impact on defense.
Following the loss in St. Louis, the Dodgers lead in the National League West division race is shrinking. The Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are eager to finish the season atop the division. Los Angeles has managed to hold on to its lead but the Dodgers can’t afford to lose any key starters.
Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow was recently put on the 15-day injured list. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Glasnow was adamant in making his start on Saturday, but Roberts chose to rest the right-hander anyway. Glasnow’s urgency to compete is a testament to the club’s commitment to winning this season.
Championship teams are usually faced with adversity throughout the season, so the myriad of injuries this year could be the Dodgers’ test of resilience.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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