Freddie Freeman Feeling Better, Remains Out Of The Lineup Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (rib, ankle) is not in the lineup for Game 2 of the Tokyo, Japan series against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman was a late scratch on Tuesday due to rib discomfort and will miss his second straight game. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Freeman feels much better than he did on Tuesday, but the Dodgers are being cautious with their star first baseman early on. The 35-year-old had rib discomfort on Tuesday in the same spot he tore rib cartilage during the postseason. Freeman remains day-to-day, but the Dodgers are optimistic he will return to the lineup on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers. Kike Hernandez will handle first base duties and is batting sixth in Wednesday's contest versus the Cubs.
Freddie Freeman Could Play Wednesday Against Chicago
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (rib) was scratched ahead of Tuesday morning's season-opening win against the Cubs. The team described the injury as "rib discomfort," and after the game, Freeman said that the injury is in the same place as the injury he dealt with at the end of last year. He added that the injury is not nearly as severe and that he wanted to play through the issue, but the team chose to be cautious. While a recurrence of the issue is definitely a cause for concern, he said he was told he has a 75% chance of playing on Wednesday when the Dodgers face Justin Steele to close out the two-game set in Tokyo against the Cubs. The team will then have about a week off before opening the rest of their regular season with a home game against the Tigers. If Freeman is out again Wednesday, Kike Hernandez could get another start at first as he did on Tuesday.
Freddie Freeman A Late Scratch Against The Cubs On Tuesday
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle, rib) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the Tokyo, Japan series. Freeman was initially in the starting lineup at the three-hole but was scratched a half-hour before game time. He had surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle last December. The 35-year-old appeared to be ready for Opening Day after hitting .280 (7-for-25) with three home runs, six RBI, and three runs in spring training. For DFS purposes, fantasy managers need to remove Freeman from their lineup. His next chance to return will be Game 2 of the Tokyo Series against the Cubs on Wednesday. Kike Hernandez shifts from left field to first base while Michael Conforto enters the lineup as the Dodgers starting left fielder. Conforto hit .269 (7-for-26) with a home run and three RBI this spring. Update: Freeman was scratched from Tuesday's game versus the Cubs with left rib discomfort and is considered day-to-day.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) will cover first base and bat third during their contest against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. This is Freeman's first game playing the field during spring training. During his first taste of spring training, the reigning World Series MVP has exclusively been deployed as a designated hitter. Freeman underwent offseason ankle surgery to remove loose bodies from his ankle. However, seeing him make his defensive debut early in camp suggests he should not face many limitations during the regular season. The 35-year-old is expected to typically bat in the three-hole behind Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, which will provide him an elite total of counting stats. Last season, Freeman held a strong .278/.378/.476 slash line with 22 home runs. He should be viewed as a top first baseman in all formats while batting in the heart of one of the top lineups in the sport.
Freddie Freeman To Have His Ankle Taped Through All-Star Break
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) played in his Cactus League debut on Thursday against the division-rival Colorado Rockies as the designated hitter with tape on his right ankle and expects to use the tape through the All-Star break, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. The tape on his ankle on Thursday wasn't as heavy as it was in the playoffs last fall, but it's an added precaution after he worked out for much of this spring without it. The 35-year-old veteran had surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle last December, but he's expected to be ready to go for Opening Day in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman initially struggled in the postseason last year after injuring his ankle late in the regular season, but the fact that he went off to win World Series MVP honors gives fantasy managers hope that his surgically repaired ankle won't give him problems in 2025. "It's good enough. I wish it felt like my left one. It was the first day I played with tape. I've been doing all my rehab stuff without tape because I didn't want to be relying on the tape. It felt a little weird running with the tape on, but I felt pretty good. I'm shooting to DH again Saturday and hopefully play (first base) Sunday," Freeman said.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut as the designated hitter on Thursday against the division-rival Colorado Rockies, according to the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris. The Dodgers have eased Freeman into the early portion of spring training after he had surgery in December to remove loose bodies from his right ankle. The 35-year-old veteran left-handed hitter should be good to go by Opening Day in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18 versus the Chicago Cubs. Although Freeman is getting up there in age, he still ranks as RotoBaller's No. 2 fantasy first baseman in 2025 and is projected to hit third in the Dodgers' lineup behind MVP Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. His ankle injury slowed him down early in the postseason, but the fact that he hit four long balls in the World Series against the Yankees should have fantasy managers unconcerned heading into this season.
Freddie Freeman Could Make Spring Debut On Thursday
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) could make his Cactus League debut on Thursday. Freeman will get some at-bats in a minor-league game at camp on Monday, and if he comes out of that without any setbacks, he should be ready to go for Thursday. The 35-year-old left-handed slugger had surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle in December, which is why the Dodgers are bringing him along slowly early in spring training. Barring a setback with his ankle once he starts playing in Cactus League games, Freeman should be ready to roll for Opening Day in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs. The eight-time All-Star and former MVP failed to put up 100 RBI for a third straight season in 2024, but he still hit .282 with 22 homers and 89 RBI and is the No. 2 fantasy first baseman at RotoBaller.
Freddie Freeman Starts Running Progression, To Make Spring Debut Next Week
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) has started a running progression, and the plan is for him to make his Cactus League debut next week, according to manager Dave Roberts. Freeman is taking it slow early in spring training after he had loose bodies removed from his right ankle last December. The 35-year-old veteran should be just fine for Opening Day on March 18 in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs, though. The fact that Freeman hit four homers in the World Series against the New York Yankees should give fantasy managers hope that he can pick up where he left off. Freeman has made the All-Star game six straight seasons and was the No. 4 first baseman in fantasy in 2024 despite the fact that his numbers regressed slightly from 2023. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 2 fantasy first baseman, behind only Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) has begun swinging a bat but has not started running following his ankle surgery. Freeman said that he would not participate in any Cactus League games to start but expects to be ready for their season-opening series in Tokyo. The 35-year-old underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle earlier in the offseason. The reigning World Series MVP also noted he tore ligaments in October, but those have healed. Last season, Freeman had a down year to his standards as he held a .282/.378/.476 slash line with 22 home runs and nine stolen bases. He launched four home runs in the postseason, all during the World Series. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status but should view him as one of the top first basemen in drafts this offseason.
Freddie Freeman Undergoes Ankle Surgery, Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) underwent surgery on his right ankle, according to the team. This procedure will remove loose bodies from the ankle area. Freeman was a crucial part of the Dodgers' World Series run as he was named World Series MVP but played through this ankle injury in the process. However, it is a great sign to see that the 35-year-old should be expected to be ready by Spring Training following the surgery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the offseason in case he faces a setback during his recovery. While he did see a slight drop in production this past summer, Freeman still posted a solid 282/.378/.476 line with 22 home runs and nine stole bases. Under the hood, he boasted an impressive .287 xBA and .367 xwOBA, which were both well above the average marks. Freeman should still be viewed as a top option at first base heading into the 2025 season.
Freddie Freeman
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Dodgers
