Freddie Freeman shares update after surprising scratch from Tokyo Series opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially began their 2025 season with a win over the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series on Tuesday, but there is some new concern about start first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Freeman was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ lineup after he experienced some discomfort in his ribs. He had played through the injury during the playoffs last season and said it improved with rest. The 35-year-old then felt some discomfort in the area during batting practice prior to L.A.’s 4-1 victory over the Cubs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially began their 2025 season with a win over the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series on Tuesday, but there is some new concern about start first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Freeman was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ lineup after he experienced some discomfort in his ribs. He had played through the injury during the playoffs last season and said it improved with rest. The 35-year-old then felt some discomfort in the area during batting practice prior to L.A.’s 4-1 victory over the Cubs.

“I’m good. It’s not as bad (as last year), absolutely not,” Freeman said. “They told me I’ve got a 75 percent chance of playing tomorrow, so we’ll see.”

Freeman said the ailment is not nearly as serious as it was last season, when it prevented him from even being able to walk. He did admit, however, that he will likely have to undergo an MRI if the discomfort persists on Wednesday.

Freeman reiterated multiple times that the Dodgers’ training staff made the decision for him to sit out. He believes he could have played. Freeman played in both of L.A.’s exhibition games in Tokyo prior to Tuesday’s season opener

Still, the injury is somewhat concerning. Freeman underwent surgery during the offseason to address a different injury, though he seems to be fully recovered from that.

Freeman played hurt during the playoffs and had some incredible heroics during the World Series. No one is going to question his toughness, but the Dodgers likely see no reason to have him play this early in the year until he feels 100 percent healthy.

Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals When Freddie Freeman Will Return From Rib Injury

Despite reloading and improving their roster after the 2024 World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been hit with a slew of unfortunate injury news to start the 2025 MLB season, including Fall Classic MVP Freddie Freeman. Freeman was Los Angeles’s World Series hero but played through some pain against the New York Yankees. His recovery process has also included some road bumps.

After undergoing off-season ankle surgery, Freeman is now dealing with a left rib injury he also suffered during the 2024 playoffs. After the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in the final game of the Tokyo Series, manager Dave Roberts provided insight into when Freeman will return from this rib discomfort. Roberts said, “My expectation is he’ll be good to go for the Freeway Series.”

Of course, the Dodgers’ “Freeway Series” occurs whenever they take on their cross-town rival, the Los Angeles Angels.

Freeman is expected to be ready for the Dodgers’ standard Opening Day contest on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers. The Dodgers’ last two spring training contests are against the Angels. Roberts explained the nature of the injury and how Freeman pushed back hard to try to suit up for the Tokyo Series. However, considering his recovery and rehab for his ankle and now his ribs, the team realized it would be best to take it slow. Freeman also noted a roughly 75 percent chance he would be able to play in the series finale against the Cubs. However, as the game is underway, his ribs seem to be continuing to bother him pregame.