The Los Angeles Dodgers began the regular season with a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in the opener of the Tokyo Series despite not having Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman at the top of their lineup.
Betts was ruled out for both games in Japan as he continues to deal with lingering effects from a stomach virus and has since returned to Southern California.
Meanwhile, Freeman was a late scratch due to left rib discomfort, which caused some concern as he dealt with a similar injury during the postseason last year.
“Last round of B.P., just kind of felt it in the same spot as the playoffs. Same exact spot,” Freeman explained after the Dodgers’ win.
“I tried to play through it but got outruled on the first day. I felt in, probably, my third-to-last swing.”
Freeman is optimistic that his latest rib injury won’t keep him out and believes he has a good chance of playing on Wednesday considering it appears to be more mild than the issue from the postseason.
“Yeah, I couldn’t walk last year. This one is not as bad. They told me I’ve got a 75% chance of playing [Wednesday], so we’ll see,” Freeman said.
If Freeman is unable to play in the Tokyo Series finale, he will likely undergo an MRI when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles.
Freddie Freeman had treatment for left rib discomfort
The 2024 World Series MVP said he was treated for his left rib discomfort and maintained confidence that it won’t be a long-term injury.
“I just did a lot of treatment right when I came in from B.P. We were trying to get myself able to play. I was going to go for it, and then Doc came in, Andrew came in, Brandon came in, and I got outruled. It was probably smart,” Freeman said.
“Obviously way better than last year. Last year I needed help getting to my car that first day. I can walk, I can take deep breaths. Just felt a little something in my rib, and with it being the first game, didn’t want it to be something lingering.
“So treated it today, come in tomorrow and see how it is. If not, I probably won’t push it. I heard a 75% chance of being able to play, so I’m going to go in with high hopes.
“Dr. ElAttrache was saying it could be scar tissue from it healing, and I did ramp up my volume the last two days, trying to fix my swing from last week.”
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