The Los Angeles Dodgers had their five-game winning streak snapped by the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, but it wasn’t without a strong showing at the plate for Freddie Freeman.
The eight-time All-Star reached base safely in all five of his plate appearances, going 3-for-3 with a home run and two walks. It was a refreshing turn of events for Freeman in the midst of what’s otherwise been an uncharacteristic slump.
Overall, Freeman is having another All-Star caliber season and once again has been a source of durability, appearing in 72 of the Dodgers’ of the 84 games thus far. He was sidelined earlier this year because of a sprained right ankle, but otherwise has missed only three games since returning from the 10-day injured list in April.
But manager Dave Roberts doesn’t have Freeman in the Dodgers lineup for their rubber match against the Royals with the intention of providing him with extra rest, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“He looked really good today, back to being who he is, but he’ll be down [Sunday]. We’re going to stay the course. I talked to him, and I think having two days, and to be able to sit on a good night, watch a ballgame and cheer on his teammates, be ready late if needed, get to the off day and be ready at home.”
Starting in Freeman’s place at first base is Kiké Hernández.
Freeman is essentially getting two consecutive days of rest as the Dodgers are off Monday. He is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday, when the team begins a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
Freeman notoriously goes into each season with a goal of playing all 162 games, but he recognized during Spring Training that this year likely was going to be different.
After returning from the IL, Freeman indicated he would receive more off days in the immediate future. The first came on April 13, and he was also out of the Dodgers lineup on June 5 and June 20.
Dodgers praise Freddie Freeman for scoop
Freeman’s impressive offensive performance came one day after he made an excellent play at first base to help the Dodgers turn a game-winning double play in their series opener against the Royals.
Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Tanner Scott were among the players who praised Freeman after the game.
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