The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2025 season with excitement against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series on March 18, 2025. While fans from both teams eagerly gathered at the Tokyo Dome to watch the start of the season, the Dodgers were hit with some unfortunate news just minutes before the game's first pitch.
All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman was scratched from the lineup due to left rib discomfort. Originally slated to bat third and play first base, Freeman's absence forced some quick adjustments within the Dodgers’ roster. Kiké Hernández stepped up to fill Freeman's position at first base, with Michael Conforto shifting from left field to take the start there instead.
This is not the first time Freeman has struggled with injuries. Last postseason, he dealt with rib issues alongside severe ankle sprain. The exact cause of this latest rib discomfort remains unclear. Freeman had participated in batting practice earlier on game day, which raises questions about whether he may have tweaked something during warmups.
Adding to the Dodgers' woes, shortstop Mookie Betts was also ruled out for the Tokyo Series as he continues to recover from illness. Manager Dave Roberts explained, "It just made the most sense for him to get back to a regular routine," conveying his support for Betts' recovery.
With both Freeman and Betts absent, the Dodgers find themselves without two-thirds of their star trio at the onset of the 2025 campaign. The team has entered the season aiming for another championship, and such injuries are casting concerns on their initial performance. Currently, the game is tied 1-1 against the Cubs, adding urgency to how the Dodgers respond to these lineup changes.
Freeman, who turns 36 later this year, is no stranger to All-Star nominations, having made the roster each of the last six full seasons. He won the National League Most Valuable Player award back in 2020 with the Atlanta Braves and has been recognized as one of the premier hitters over the past few seasons, slashing .282/.378/.476 (.854 OPS) with 22 home runs, 89 RBIs, and 81 runs scored just last season.
Given these events during the highly anticipated Tokyo Series, it’s unclear how the Dodgers will adjust moving forward. Dodgers management expresses optimism, demonstrating belief not only in their team depth but also the resilience of both Freeman and Betts to return to top form soon as they navigate the season.
The stress of opening day commercial duties couplings with the weight of pressure on the players may significantly influence the game. The adjustments made following Freeman's absence are pivotal, displaying both the strategic planning by the coaching staff and adaptive instincts from the remaining active players.
The excitement from fans isn't diminished by these setbacks, as they cheer the men stepping up and contributing to the team. Players like Hernández and Conforto have been thrust back to the forefront and will need to perform if the Dodgers wish to maintain their reputation on the international stage.
With history and talent on their side, the anticipation is whether the Dodgers can rally as they look to fulfill their goal of capturing another championship title, aiming to overcome these early hurdles.
Time will tell how these strategic batting shifts and lineup changes will affect the game outcomes, but both players stepping up and those awaiting recovery are hopeful for fruitful returns for both the team and individual aspirations as the Dodgers set off for another season.
Further updates on Freeman's condition and performance throughout the Tokyo series will be available after the game as Roberts is expected to address the media thereafter.
