Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman Surprisingly Out of Lineup Again for Series Finale vs Cubs

Gabe Smallson | Apr 13, 2025

Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after a run during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they will be without Freddie Freeman in the lineup Sunday, less than 24 hours after suffering the worst home loss in franchise history.

Freeman missed nine games due to tweaking his surgically repaired ankle but returned to the Dodgers for a pair of home contests, including his own bobblehead night Friday evening.

Today’s #Dodgers lineup vs. Cubs: pic.twitter.com/62sByHGGAl

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 13, 2025

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Kiké Hernández will be assuming the first baseman responsibilities once again in his absence.

There is some more lineup shuffling as Miguel Rojas will takeover second base while Tommy Edman moves back to center field. Andy Pages is also absent from Sunday's lineup after going 0-6 with three strikeouts this series.

As Freeman just recently returned to the lineup from the IL, it makes sense that the team would give him an off day so as not to rush anything in his recovery.

As per his latest stint on the injured list, although he didn't like admitting it, Freeman needed the break.

“I hate to admit it,” Freeman said upon his Friday evening return, “but I might have needed these 10 days."

Freeman also added that he hadn't felt that good since the domestic season opener, so perhaps an additional day off will prove to be better in the long run.

"This is the best I’ve felt since I got hurt. Better than before the Tigers series. So this was huge. I feel really good.”

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Being cautious with the World Series MVP is not a new thing for L.A. as Freeman also had a rib injury during the opening series in Japan and was scratched from the lineup hours before the first pitch of the 2025 season.

Freeman played through October with not only an ankle that would require surgery, but broken cartilage in his rib, which only added to his Fall Classic legend.

During the season opener in Tokyo, Freeman felt a pain in the same spot on his rib that hampered him over the postseason. Although it turned out to be a build up of scar tissue from where he healed, the team saw it best to rest him for the pair of games overseas.

After all, missing out on an April regular season game will hopefully come back in the form of increased health in key October matchups.

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