Dodgers provide positive update on Freddie Freeman, but fans must wait and see

The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their title defense with back-to-back wins over the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Tokyo Series this week, but they had to do it without their star first baseman.

Freddie Freeman was in the Dodgers' lineup for their Opening Day game Tuesday in Tokyo, only to be scratched roughly 30 minutes before first pitch due to left rib discomfort – the same injury he dealt with during the postseason last year. Freeman did note that the issue was less severe than it was last year, however, and said he was given roughly a 75% chance of playing in Game 2 the following day.

That 75% quickly became zero percent when Freeman was scratched from the lineup once again in Wednesday's finale.

"He lobbied hard, like he always does," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Wednesday's finale at the Tokyo Dome. "He wants to play every day. [He] kind of prepared to play, but ultimately conceded to myself and the training staff."

The fact Freeman was even preparing as if he was going to play Wednesday is a positive sign that the rib issue may not be bad enough to keep him out for an extended period of time. Still, Dodgers fans are wise to proceed with cautious optimism regarding Freeman's eventual return to the lineup.

Dodgers provide positive update on Freddie Freeman, but fans need to see him take the field

Roberts' comments on Freeman's condition made it seem like the decision to keep him out of the lineup for both games in Tokyo was more precautionary than anything, but only time will tell.

"It’s just too early in the season to potentially put him in harm’s way," Roberts said Wednesday. "[He] feels much better than he did yesterday. My expectation is he’ll be good to go for the Freeway Series.”

Then again, this is an existing issue that has not fully gone away, so why is it a foregone conclusion he'll be ready to go in a week?

The Dodgers wrap up their spring training slate with a three-game exhibition series against the Los Angeles Angels begins Sunday at Dodger Stadium before shifting to Angel Stadium for the final two games on Monday and Tuesday. In the meantime, the Dodgers will have to hope that a few days is enough time for Freeman's rib injury to heal.

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