TOKYO -- Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was scratched from the starting lineup with left rib discomfort before the season-opening 4-1 win against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome.
Freeman was originally in the lineup, batting third and playing first base. The eight-time All-Star hit .282 with 22 homers and 89 RBIs last season.
Manager Dave Roberts said it's the same area in Freeman's ribs that gave him trouble during last year's postseason, though he's hopeful it won't keep him out too long.
"Not as severe," Roberts said. "I thought we made the right decision not playing him tonight. We'll see how he comes in tomorrow. So right now, I'm not too concerned."
The Dodgers shuffled the lineup without Freeman, moving Kiké Hernandez to first base and putting Michael Conforto in left field.
The Dodgers and Cubs are playing a two-game series in Japan to open the season. Shortstop Mookie Betts is also out because of an illness.
Betts has returned to Los Angeles to continue recovering.
"It just made the most sense for him to get back to a regular routine," Roberts said. "That's kind of where we're at and we all support it."
