As we’re nearing the home stretch of the season, this is the third time that Freddie Freeman has been forced to miss time with an injury.

He missed part of the Dodgers’ opening series in Tokyo with rib discomfort. Later, he sat out 10 games after slipping in the shower, which aggravated his surgically repaired right ankle. Now once again, nine-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman was held out of the lineup in the Dodgers’ 5-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds.

It’s been a couple of days since he’s faced discomfort with his neck. Yet, he was 1 for 4 with a double in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win Tuesday. However, soon after that, manager Dave Roberts revealed Freeman had a “stinger” that affects a network of nerves extending from the neck into the shoulder and arm.

“It’s something that is recurring, but it’s been kind of showing itself a little bit the last couple days,” Roberts said. Roberts also mentioned that outfielder Alex Call will also be on the sidelines for Wednesday’s game. In his case, it is a back issue that flared up while he was running the bases on Tuesday.

To fill in for Freeman, Kiké Hernández got the nod at first base. Hernández himself returned from the injured list on Tuesday. Coming back stronger, he went 2-for-3 with a run scored in that game.

The start against Cincinnati gave him an immediate chance to contribute again.

However, Freeman won’t be out for long. “He received acupuncture treatment, and it’s not serious. He is expected to return on Friday.” Roberts said. The Dodgers rely on him massively.

He currently ranks first in the National League in batting average (.302) and doubles (34). Particularly in August, he showcased his peak batting form with a batting average of .319 and an OPS of 1.005.

For Wednesday’s game, the Dodgers had formed their starting lineup with pitcher Shohei Ohtani, shortstop Mookie Betts, right fielder Teoscar Hernández, center fielder Andy Páez, first baseman Kiké Hernández, left fielder Michael Conforto, second baseman Miguel Rojas, catcher Dalton Rushing, and third baseman Alex Freeland. For now, Dodgers fans hope this neck injury won’t break his momentum.

Freddie Freeman is eyeing an unusual MLB History

It’s not a cakewalk to stand out on a team like the Dodgers. Sharing a lineup with Shohei Ohtani and other All-Star names, it’s difficult to stand out. Freddie Freeman is now leading the National League in batting average, a position he earned thanks to a scorching hot August.

Last weekend, against the Padres, he launched two home runs, raising his season total to 18 and lifting his slugging percentage above .500 for the first time since early July. At the moment, he’s one of only two qualified NL hitters batting .300 or better.

The other one is Trea Turner from the Philadelphia Phillies. He sits exactly at .300.
Behind these two, the Brewers’ Sal Frelick and Freeman’s own teammate, Will Smith, are both hovering just under .297.

The race could produce a quirky twist. The thing is, no one has ever won a batting title hitting under .300, and the lowest mark to claim it was .301 by Carl Yastrzemski back in 1968. In the NL, the floor is a little higher—Tony Gwynn’s .313 in 1988.

If Freeman keeps hitting the way he did in August, that record won’t be in jeopardy. His consistency at the plate is giving the Dodgers stability in the midst of all their fireworks.