Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was absent from the team's lineup on Wednesday due to a right knee issue, manager Dave Roberts announced. This marks the second time this homestand that Freeman has been held out of the starting nine. The injury was significant enough to keep the veteran slugger out of the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
Roberts stated that there was no specific incident that caused the knee problem and that an injured list stint is not currently being considered for the 36-year-old.
However, Roberts indicated that the knee issue may have contributed to Freeman's recent slump at the plate, where he has gone 1-for-18, causing his season batting average to dip below .300 for the first time since late July. "Freddie does a really good job of hitting against his front side [in his swing]," Roberts explained. "So when you can’t do that with your front side, your right knee, then you’re compromised. And I see there’s a lot more swing and miss the last few days that’s just not who he is."
Roberts did not provide a timeline for Freeman's return but emphasized the need for caution as the team approaches the final stretch of the regular season. He suggested that Freeman could potentially return for the team's next game on Friday, when they begin a road trip in Miami, or that he might receive three days off to ensure he is optimally prepared for the September run.
Freeman's injury adds another concern for the Dodgers, who are looking to repeat as champions, particularly as they are already managing other player injuries, including that of Shohei Ohtani.
