Star first baseman Freddie Freeman got here out of the Dodgers’ recreation towards the Cardinals yesterday as a result of what was on the time termed a jammed finger, however regardless of preliminary x-rays coming again destructive, the scenario has worsened in a single day. As supervisor Dave Roberts advised Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Occasions and different reporters, Freeman isn’t capable of grip a bat as a result of swelling. Freeman was out of right now’s lineup and continues to be thought of day-to-day, however is scheduled to endure a CT scan on Monday.
The lack of Freeman could be devastating for a Dodgers membership that has had its trio of famous person hitters again on the roster collectively for simply six video games since Mookie Betts returned from the injured listing to rejoin Freeman and Shohei Ohtani on the prime of the lineup final week. Even with Betts having not too long ago returned, nevertheless, the lack of Freeman’s .292/.391/.488 slash line is certain to be a significant blow to the Dodgers’ offense for nevertheless lengthy he’s out of motion. With the Padres and Diamondbacks quickly gaining floor within the NL West title hunt, a prolonged absence for Freeman might imply that the Dodgers may need to go all the way down to the wire on this pennant race with out considered one of their greatest hitters.
Luckily for the Dodgers, reinforcements for the lineup seem like simply across the nook. DiGiovanna notes that the membership is predicted to activate infielder Tommy Edman from the injured listing tomorrow, and will do the identical with Max Muncy. Earlier experiences urged that Muncy wasn’t rejoining the roster till later within the week, however Roberts stated (as per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya) the infielder is flying into L.A. to verify he’s obtainable Monday if wanted.
Edman, 29, received’t assist the membership’s scenario at first base very a lot, however the versatile switch-hitter ought to enhance the lineup in different areas. He’s beforehand been anticipated to play middle area for the membership frequently, nevertheless it’s potential that he might see further time on the infield given the small-sample success Kevin Kiermaier has had with the membership since being acquired from the Blue Jays. If Edman, Miguel Rojas, and Enrique Hernández can cowl the left aspect of the infield whereas Gavin Lux handles second base, that will permit Muncy to behave because the membership’s common first baseman till Freeman is able to return to the lineup.
The 33-year-old Muncy has been out of motion since mid-Might as a result of an indirect concern however was off to a robust begin — a .223/.323/.475 slash line throughout 40 video games that’s good for a wRC+ of 117, matching his 2023 efficiency. Edman, in the meantime, has not performed within the majors this yr as a result of a prolonged rehab from offseason wrist surgical procedure, however the Dodgers nonetheless acquired him from from the Cardinals in a three-way commerce with the White Sox previous to the deadline final month. Edman sports activities a prolonged monitor report as a roughly league common bat with glorious protection at a number of positions that can hopefully make him an asset to the Dodgers as soon as wholesome.
