Freddie Freeman Sidelined for Dodgers’ Tokyo Opener Due to Rib Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without star first baseman Freddie Freeman as they open the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo. The veteran slugger, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s offense since joining in 2022, suffered a rib injury that has sidelined him for the much-anticipated season opener. While the injury is not considered serious, his absence raises questions about how the Dodgers will adjust their lineup and whether his absence will impact their performance in Japan.
Freeman’s Injury and Timeline for Return
Freeman reportedly sustained the injury during the Dodgers’ final exhibition game before heading to Tokyo. While the exact details of how it happened remain unclear, team doctors confirmed that he suffered a mild rib strain. The injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period, but the team is opting for caution, keeping him out of the lineup for at least the first game of the series.
“Freddie’s a tough guy, and if this were later in the season, he might try to push through it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in a press conference. “But right now, we want to be smart. There’s a long season ahead, and we’re not going to take any unnecessary risks.”
The Dodgers will continue to monitor Freeman’s condition, with hopes that he can return to the lineup soon. Given his importance to the team’s offense, his health will be a top priority for the club.
How Freeman’s Absence Affects the Dodgers
Freeman has been one of the most consistent hitters in Major League Baseball for years. Since joining the Dodgers, he has continued his elite production, posting a .331 batting average with 29 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2024. His presence in the middle of the lineup is a stabilizing force, and his ability to get on base at a high rate makes him one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
Without Freeman, the Dodgers will have to shuffle their infield and adjust their batting order. It’s expected that Max Muncy or Chris Taylor could step in at first base, while Mookie Betts or Shohei Ohtani may move up in the lineup to fill the void.
“Freddie is a huge part of our team, no doubt about it,” Muncy said. “But we have a deep roster. It’s early in the season, and we have plenty of guys who can step up.”
Despite their depth, the Dodgers will undoubtedly miss Freeman’s leadership on the field. His experience and ability to come through in clutch situations have been invaluable, and his absence will be felt in more ways than one.
The Dodgers’ Tokyo Opener: What to Expect
The Dodgers are facing the San Diego Padres in a two-game series at the Tokyo Dome, marking the first time an MLB season has opened in Japan since 2019. The series is part of MLB’s efforts to expand the game’s global reach, and the games are expected to draw significant attention from baseball fans worldwide.
With Freeman out, all eyes will be on the Dodgers’ other stars, including Ohtani, Betts, and Will Smith. Ohtani, in particular, will be under intense scrutiny as he makes his Dodgers debut in his home country of Japan. The two-way superstar signed a record-breaking $700 million deal with the team in the offseason, and this series is expected to be an emotional homecoming for him.
On the Padres’ side, they will be looking to capitalize on Freeman’s absence and get an early leg up in what is expected to be a competitive National League West race. Led by Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, the Padres have plenty of firepower in their lineup and will be eager to start the season on a strong note.
Freeman’s Importance to the Dodgers’ Season
While missing one or two games at the start of the season may not seem like a major issue, Freeman’s injury serves as a reminder of how crucial he is to the Dodgers’ success. Over the past two seasons, he has been one of the team’s most durable players, playing in nearly every game. His ability to stay healthy has been a key factor in the Dodgers’ dominance in the NL West.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers will be aiming for another deep playoff run, and Freeman’s health will be a significant factor in their chances. The team made several big moves in the offseason, including the addition of Ohtani and star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but Freeman remains one of their most important pieces.
His leadership in the clubhouse, along with his consistent production at the plate, makes him a vital part of the Dodgers’ championship aspirations. The team will be hoping that this rib injury is just a minor setback and that he can return to full strength soon.
Looking Ahead: When Will Freeman Be Back?
While the Dodgers have not given an exact timetable for Freeman’s return, early indications suggest that he could be back in the lineup within a few days. The team will likely re-evaluate him after the Tokyo series and determine whether he can play in their next set of games back in the U.S.
For now, the Dodgers will have to navigate without him, relying on their depth and star power to get through the Tokyo series. The team is well-equipped to handle short-term absences, but they will certainly be looking forward to getting Freeman back as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Freddie Freeman’s absence from the Dodgers’ Tokyo opener due to a rib injury is an early-season test for the team. While the injury does not appear to be serious, it highlights the challenges of maintaining player health over the course of a grueling 162-game season.
The Dodgers have enough talent to compete even without Freeman, but his absence will be felt in the lineup and the clubhouse. As they take on the Padres in Tokyo, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts and whether they can start the season on a high note despite missing one of their biggest stars.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ focus will be on ensuring that Freeman is fully healthy for the long haul. If he can recover quickly and return to his usual form, the team’s championship aspirations will remain as strong as ever.
