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Freddie Freeman was initially listed in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup in Tokyo, Japan. But the eight-time All-Star first baseman was scratched from the starting lineup less than an hour before first pitch as he dealt with left rib discomfort.
Read more: Freddie Freeman Provides Update on Injury, Reveals Timeline to Return to Dodgers
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Freeman’s injury was “not as severe” as his postseason rib injury. Roberts added that although the injury is in the same location as the rib cartilage Freeman tore during the Dodgers’ World Series run, he is not currently concerned about Freeman’s recovery.
It is unclear whether Freeman will be healthy enough to play in the Dodgers’ series finale on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs. But the odds are on his side as Freeman said he has a 75 percent chance of playing, per the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett.
In addition to Freeman, the Dodgers were also missing three-time World Series champion outfielder turned shortstop Mookie Betts, who is dealing with a lingering illness and was sent home early. Even without two of their top players in the lineup, the Dodgers were able to defeat the Cubs, 4-1, in their season opener.
Read more: Freddie Freeman Injured, Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shines as Dodgers Win Season Opener in Tokyo Series vs Cubs
Freeman also played through a sprained ankle in the postseason. The injury sidelined him for three regular season games and a few games in the NLDS and NLCS.
He was ultimately able to play in the World Series, but the ankle injury required Freeman to undergo surgery in December.
But Freeman did not allow his broken rib cartilage or ankle injury to hinder his postseason performance in 2024. He became the first player in MLB history to hit home runs in six consecutive World Series games (dating back to his previous World Series appearance) and had an incredible 12 RBIs.
The three-time Silver Slugger also launched a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 against the New York Yankees to set the tone for the rest of the World Series. Given his performance and tenacity in the postseason, he was named the 2024 World Series Most Valuable Player.
More news: James Outman Makes Dodgers Opening Day Roster — LA Announces Full 26-Man For Tokyo Series
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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