Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman Freddie Freeman is out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game due to a hairline fracture in his right middle finger. Freeman has struggled since sustaining the injury on August 17, posting a disappointing 3-for-23 record with seven strikeouts. Despite not being placed on the injured list, his absence is becoming a concern as the Dodgers aim for postseason positioning. Meanwhile, Kiké Hernandez will continue to fill in at first base, marking only his third start there this season. As the regular season nears its end, the Dodgers must navigate Freeman's recovery while maintaining competitiveness in the league. Freeman's current contract runs through 2027, and he has never been on the injured list since joining the team in 2022.