Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was a late scratch from Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome due to left rib discomfort, the team announced shortly before the game’s start.
Los Angeles Dodgers, Freddie Freeman Provides Injury Update After Missing Tokyo Series, Game 1
This late announcement has raised questions about Freeman’s availability for Wednesday’s game. Following the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory, Freeman revealed he “felt something” in his rib during pregame batting practice and estimated a “75% chance” of playing on Wednesday, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. Max Muncy confirmed that the team learned of the scratch “when everyone else did.”
Enrique Hernandez replaced Freeman at first base, batting sixth. Freeman joins Mookie Betts, who is sidelined due to illness, as key Dodgers players missing the Tokyo Series opener.
While the Dodgers possess the depth to manage without Freeman and Betts, they aim to be at full strength for their return to the United States on March 27. The team is hopeful that Betts’ illness is not severe and that Freeman’s rib discomfort is short-lived.
Despite the absence of Freeman and Betts, the Dodgers secured a comfortable victory over the Cubs. Shohei Ohtani contributed two hits, while Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernandez, and Will Smith recorded RBIs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a dominant five-inning performance, allowing only one earned run on three hits. The bullpen, consisting of Anthony Banda, Ben Casparius, Blake Treinen, and Tanner Scott, delivered four scoreless innings, with Scott earning the save in his Dodgers debut.
On Wednesday, Roki Sasaki will start Game 2 of the series against Cubs starter Justin Steele.