Inside The Dodgers

Dodgers Superstar Shockingly Out of Monday’s Lineup vs Braves Following Day Off

Gabe Smallson|
Mar 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates a homerun with shortstop Mookie Betts (50) who also scored against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates a homerun with shortstop Mookie Betts (50) who also scored against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without World Series MVP Freddie Freeman as they begin their series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.

The superstar first baseman missed the first two games of 2025 during the Tokyo Series with rib discomfort in the same spot that nagged him through last October.

More news: Former Padres Star, Dodgers Nemesis Faces Suspension After Testing Positive for Banned Substance

Manager Dave Roberts has yet to reveal why Freeman is out following a Dodgers' off day, but is scheduled to speak to the media soon.

It was announced that newly-acquired outfielder Jurickson Profar tested positive for a banned substance and will be suspended for 80 games. If Atlanta makes it to the postseason, he will be banned from participating as well. 

As for Freeman’s absence, all fans can do is hope that it isn’t a reaggravation of his rib injury that held him out of Japan. The ailed MVP was able to battle through for October, but the team decided to cautiously hold him out for an early regular season game in Japan.

More news: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw on Receiving End of Unfortunate Troll by MLB TV

The Dodgers are surely going to miss the talents of Freeman on the diamond, but whatever the reason for him not playing are almost definitely with the greater good of the season in mind. 

So far, the first baseman has three hits, four RBIs, and two home runs in 12 at-bats on the year.

More news: Dodgers Catcher Reacts to Roki Sasaki's Struggles in Dodger Stadium Debut

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.

Published | Modified
Gabe Smallson
GABE SMALLSON

Gabe Smallson is a sportswriter based in Los Angeles. His focus is sports and entertainment content. Gabe has previously worked at DodgersNation and Newsweek. He graduated from San Francisco State University in 2020 and is a Masters Candidate at the University of Southern California. You can get in touch with Gabe by emailing gabe.smallson@lasportsreport.com. You can find him on X @gabesmallson

Home/News