If you're looking for Freddie Freeman's name in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup in their opening game of the MLB season against the Chicago Cubs in Japan, you won't find it. That's because the superstar first baseman was taken out of the lineup due to left rib discomfort. He did play in spring training games before the Dodgers left for Tokyo.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts confirmed it was the same rib injury that Freeman dealt with in his heroic October last fall. Reports indicate that Freeman is optimistic he can play in the second game of the Tokyo Series on Wednesday.