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Freddie Freeman Gives Encouraging Injury Update After Missing First Dodgers Game in Japan

Freeman was scratched late ahead of Tuesday's game due to rib discomfort.

Madison Williams

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman smiles after getting on base during a Spring Training game.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman smiles after getting on base during a Spring Training game. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Right before the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs were set to start their first of two games in Tokyo to officially open the 2025 MLB season, the Dodgers scratched Freddie Freeman from the lineup.

Freeman experienced rib discomfort during batting practice on Tuesday, causing him to sit out for the game. He told reporters after the game, which the Dodgers won 4–1, that the pain is similar to what he dealt with during last season's playoff run. It was revealed after Los Angeles's World Series win that Freeman played through the postseason with broken cartilage in his ribcage.

The first baseman clarified that the pain he's experiencing now in his ribcage is "less severe" and there's a 75% chance he'll play in Wednesday's game in Tokyo, Los Angeles Times's Jack Harris reported. He even wanted to play on Tuesday, but was held out for likely precautionary reasons.

Freeman explained that he received treatment after batting practice in hopes to play on Tuesday. He said as long as he doesn't feel any pain on Wednesday, he should be good to play.

While the ribs are a lingering issue, it doesn't sound like Dodgers fans need to worry about Freeman's ankle. He dealt with a sprain in the postseason, which caused him to miss Game 4 of the NLCS. He still battled through the injury, even winning World Series MVP thanks to his efforts. He underwent surgery on his ankle in the offseason.

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Madison Williams
MADISON WILLIAMS

Madison Williams is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where she specializes in tennis but covers a wide range of sports from a national perspective. Before joining SI in 2022, Williams worked at The Sporting News. Having graduated from Augustana College, she completed a master’s in sports media at Northwestern University. She is a dog mom and an avid reader.

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