Dodgers' Freeman misses Tokyo opener with rib discomfort

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was a late scratch from Tuesday's Tokyo Series opener against the Chicago Cubs due to left rib discomfort.

Freeman said postgame that the discomfort is in the same area he injured during the 2024 postseason, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Freeman added that this injury is much less severe and that there's a 75% chance he's able to return to the lineup for Wednesday's game.

"I thought we made the right decision not playing him tonight," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to David Brandt of The Associated Press. "We'll see how he comes in tomorrow. So right now, I'm not too concerned."

Enrique Hernández replaced Freeman at first base. The Dodgers were also without star shortstop Mookie Betts, who was ruled out for both Tokyo Series games as he continues to recover from an illness.

Freeman also dealt with an ankle injury during the 2024 postseason, which eventually required offseason surgery. The 35-year-old recovered in time to play nine spring training games, including four straight before the Dodgers departed for Japan.