Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was removed from the starting lineup for the season opener against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome due to left rib discomfort.
Freeman had been set to bat third and play first base. Last season, the eight-time All-Star posted a .282 batting average, with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs.
Manager Dave Roberts explained that the discomfort is in the same area of Freeman’s ribs that caused issues during last year’s postseason. However, he remains optimistic that it won’t sideline Freeman for too long.
“It’s not as severe,” Roberts said. “I thought it was the right decision not to play him tonight. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but I’m not too concerned at this point.”
With Freeman out, the Dodgers adjusted their lineup, moving Kike Hernandez to first base and Michael Conforto to left field.
The Dodgers and Cubs are playing a two-game series in Japan to start the season. Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ shortstop, is also missing the game due to illness.