Los Angeles Dodgers first base Freddie Freeman stands by the base in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Dodgers’ star Freeman scratched from lineup with left rib discomfort before opening day vs. Cubs

TOKYO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was scratched from the starting lineup with left rib discomfort before the season opener against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome.

Freeman was originally in the lineup, batting third and playing first base. The eight-time All-Star hit .282 with 22 homers and 89 RBIs last season.

Manager Dave Roberts said it’s the same area in Freeman’s ribs that gave him trouble during last year’s postseason, though he’s hopeful it won’t keep him out too long.

“Not as severe,” Roberts said. “I thought we made the right decision not playing him tonight. We’ll see how he comes in tomorrow. So right now, I’m not too concerned.”

The Dodgers shuffled the lineup without Freeman, moving Kike Hernandez to first base and putting Michael Conforto in left field.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (17), of Japan, talks with Freddie Freeman, left, during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Dodgers and Cubs are playing a two-game series in Japan to open the season. Shortstop Mookie Betts is also out because of an illness.

Hanshin Tigers’ Takumu Nakano, left, slides into first base next to Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman during the fifth inning in an MLB Japan Series exhibition baseball game, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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