Heyman : Freddie Freeman expected to miss significant time, Braves discussing options

quote:

---

There’s no official word as to whether or not Freddie Freeman has a broken wrist, but the expectation is the Atlanta Braves star first baseman will miss significant time.

As a result, the Braves are discussing options at first base moving forward, including outside options. One potential in-house fill-in, Adonis Garcia, is on the disabled list with an Achillies injury, which makes the need to look outside more pressing.

There’s still no word from the Braves, but there was real concern and an ominous feeling Wednesday night after Freeman exited the game in the fifth inning after taking an Aaron Loup pitch off the wrist. Manager Brian Snitker removed Freeman from the game, replacing him with Jace Peterson at first base and Johan Carmago at third.

The Braves tried out Ryan Howard earlier at first base, but he was released after slashing .184/.238/.263 in 42 plate appearances for Triple-A Gwinnett.

James Loney is an interesting name available as a free agent. Loney, 33, was recently released by the Detroit Tigers after hitting .229 with a .387 on-base percentage in 62 plate appearances for Triple-A Toledo.

Another absence being felt is that of Sean Rodriguez, who was signed this offseason by Atlanta to play a versatile role and fill in for Freeman if there was ever a need. But an offseason car accident has Rodriguez likely out for the year.

Freeman was putting up MVP-like numbers early with 14 home runs, a .341 average and 1.209 OPS. The Braves entered play on Thursday 16-21, second in the NL East and looking to complete a 4-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays.

---