Freddie Freeman DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (rib, ankle) is not in the lineup for Game 2 of the Tokyo, Japan series against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman was a late scratch on Tuesday due to rib discomfort and will miss his second straight game. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Freeman feels much better than he did on Tuesday, but the Dodgers are being cautious with their star first baseman early on. The 35-year-old had rib discomfort on Tuesday in the same spot he tore rib cartilage during the postseason. Freeman remains day-to-day, but the Dodgers are optimistic he will return to the lineup on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers. Kike Hernandez will handle first base duties and is batting sixth in Wednesday's contest versus the Cubs.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (rib) was scratched ahead of Tuesday morning's season-opening win against the Cubs. The team described the injury as "rib discomfort," and after the game, Freeman said that the injury is in the same place as the injury he dealt with at the end of last year. He added that the injury is not nearly as severe and that he wanted to play through the issue, but the team chose to be cautious. While a recurrence of the issue is definitely a cause for concern, he said he was told he has a 75% chance of playing on Wednesday when the Dodgers face Justin Steele to close out the two-game set in Tokyo against the Cubs. The team will then have about a week off before opening the rest of their regular season with a home game against the Tigers. If Freeman is out again Wednesday, Kike Hernandez could get another start at first as he did on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle, rib) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the Tokyo, Japan series. Freeman was initially in the starting lineup at the three-hole but was scratched a half-hour before game time. He had surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle last December. The 35-year-old appeared to be ready for Opening Day after hitting .280 (7-for-25) with three home runs, six RBI, and three runs in spring training. For DFS purposes, fantasy managers need to remove Freeman from their lineup. His next chance to return will be Game 2 of the Tokyo Series against the Cubs on Wednesday. Kike Hernandez shifts from left field to first base while Michael Conforto enters the lineup as the Dodgers starting left fielder. Conforto hit .269 (7-for-26) with a home run and three RBI this spring. Update: Freeman was scratched from Tuesday's game versus the Cubs with left rib discomfort and is considered day-to-day.