RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman left Wednesday's loss against the Chicago Cubs early after being hit by a pitch, but isn't likely to miss any time.
Freeman took a pitch off the hand during the Dodgers' 7-6 loss to the Cubs, noticeably grimacing and checking out his hand during his final at-bat of the day in the fifth inning. Super utility man Kike Hernandez came in to replace him at first base.
The former MVP underwent X-rays on his hand after exiting the game, which came back negative—boding well for his inclusion in the Dodgers' next series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both Freeman and manager Dave Roberts said they expect him in the lineup for the opening game of that series Friday.
Freeman's early exit proved to be consequential for the Dodgers, who have now lost each of their last six games—their second-longest losing streak since April 2019. They surged back in the top of the eighth inning against the Cubs, scoring five runs to cut the deficit to one, but Hernandez couldn't bring home the tying run, represented by Alex Call on second base.
The first baseman extended his hitting streak to 15 games earlier in the contest, and very well could have made an impact if he remained in the lineup.
Freeman very rarely goes on the injured list, having played 147 games or more in each of his four full seasons with the Dodgers, so the Dodgers don't have many options behind him if he is to miss time.
Dalton Rushing usually carries the torch for Freeman on off days, doing so earlier on in the season when the veteran went on paternity leave, but he is currently on the injured list with a "slight tear" in his UCL and may not return this season.
Hernandez is the likely answer, as he filled in Wednesday and has played first base previously for the Dodgers, but they could also shift Max Muncy over to the other corner of the infield and have Tommy Edman and Hernandez split time at third base—a position they're both familiar with.
The Dodgers won't have to make that decision, though, and will look to break out of their slump against the Diamondbacks on Friday at 6:40 p.m. PT.
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