Star first baseman felt discomfort in the same area on his left side where he suffered torn rib cartilage on the eve of the playoffs last fall.

Freddie Freeman was initially in the Dodgers' lineup for the season opener in Japan against the Cubs. But while taking swings before the game, Freeman felt something in his rib, leading to him being scratched from the lineup.

Freddie Freeman was initially listed in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup in Tokyo, Japan. But the eight-time All-Star first baseman was scratched from the starting lineup less than an hour before first pitch as he dealt with left rib discomfort.