Freddie Freeman was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with a strained oblique muscle. Freeman said in a post-game interview that he first strained the muscle a week ago before the season opener, though he continued to play through last night's comeback win over the Cubs.
Freeman was off to a hot start, hitting .412 with one homer and seven RBI through the Braves' first five games. He has been moving uncomfortably the last few games, and one catch in foul territory against the Cubs had him moving even more gingerly. Given how oblique muscle injuries can nag over a long season, the Braves decided to shut him down early to have him back sooner.
3B Chris Johnson started in his place at first base and went 1 for 3 today. Juan Francisco got the start instead at 3B.
Freeman was not happy with the move, as he has been trying to play through the injury. With the hot start, it's hard not to blame him but with a long season ahead there is no reason to risk it getting more serious by straining it further.
The Braves called up IF Blake DeWitt to take Freeman's place on the Braves' active roster.
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