David Freese is out of the lineup again Sunday vs. the Astros.

Freese is out of the lineup again Sunday vs. the Astros.

Analysis:

Back-to-back absences for an everyday player like Freese would normally suggest an injury could be in play, but that doesn't seem to be the case here, as the third baseman came on to hit a pinch-hit homer and draw a walk in two plate appearances Saturday. Freese finally broke out of his season-long slumber with a fruitful start to July, but it appears manager Mike Scioscia thought he could benefit from some extended rest. John McDonald makes his second straight start at third base Sunday.