Dodgers' Freddie Freeman Out vs. Cardinals with Finger Injury; Max Muncy to Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without first baseman Freddie Freeman for Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after also having him unavailable for Sunday's 2-1 victory in The Lou.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported after Sunday's game that Freeman would miss Monday's contest and could also be ruled out for a few more games due to his finger injury.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Freeman cannot grip a bat because of the pain in his finger. He is scheduled to undergo further scans in Los Angeles.

DiGiovanna noted the Dodgers plan on activating Max Muncy and Tommy Edman on Monday. DiGiovanna also noted Muncy was taking ground balls at first base ahead of Sunday's game in preparation for a potential role with Freeman sidelined.

Freeman left Saturday's 5-2 loss to St. Louis in the eighth inning after suffering the injury while fielding a ground ball during the seventh inning.

"The X-rays were negative," Roberts told reporters at the time. "It's day to day. I'm hoping he's in there tomorrow. I'm sure he's going to do everything he can to play, but if not, then we'll just kind of read and react."

The timing is less than ideal for Los Angeles, as it is just 1-3 in the last four games and attempting to hold off the fast-charging San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West.

San Diego is just two games back, while Arizona is three behind.

Freeman is one of the most consistent producers in the league with a resume that includes a World Series crown, National League MVP, Gold Glove, three Silver Sluggers and eight All-Star Game selections.

He has once again been impressive for the Dodgers this season with a .292/.391/.488 slash line, 17 home runs and 72 RBI. If he returns in time and adds 28 RBI down the stretch run, it will mark the third straight season that he reaches the 100-RBI mark.

As for Muncy, the Dodgers placed him on the injured list in May with a right oblique strain. He hasn't appeared in a game since May 15 and is slashing just .223/.323/.475 with nine home runs and 28 RBI in 40 games.

Still, he is a proven veteran with a World Series crown and two All-Star selections to his name. He can also provide power to the lineup and fill in as needed until Freeman is ready to return.