The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs 7-6 on Wednesday, extending their losing streak to six games—their longest since April 2019. Freddie Freeman, the team’s first baseman, left the game in the fifth inning after being hit by a pitch, though X-rays revealed no fracture. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated Freeman is expected to return for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.
Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers’ rookie catcher, was diagnosed with a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will be shut down from throwing for four to six weeks. Roberts noted there is a "very small" chance Rushing could return behind the plate this season, though his left-handed bat may still be utilized off the bench. The injury further depletes the Dodgers’ roster as they address a midseason need.
The game featured a headlining performance from Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who traded leadoff home runs in the first inning. Ohtani’s homer came on the seventh pitch of his at-bat against Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, while Crow-Armstrong responded with a solo shot on the first pitch. Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, who coached Crow-Armstrong in the World Baseball Classic, joked about the Cubs outfielder’s role as a designated hitter, to which Crow-Armstrong quipped, "Well, it took your guy 10 pitches, it only took me one." Both players downplayed the National League MVP discussion, emphasizing team success over individual accolades.
Freeman’s early exit marked another setback in a slump that has seen the Dodgers lose six consecutive games. The team’s offense rallied in the eighth inning, scoring five runs to cut the deficit to one, but reliever Alex Vesia allowed a go-ahead run in the bottom half, sealing the loss. Freeman, who extended his hitting streak to 15 games, left the field visibly in pain but later said he felt "fine" and expected no long-term issues.
Roberts confirmed Freeman’s availability for the Diamondbacks series, though the team is exploring options behind him. Kike Hernandez, who filled in at first base Wednesday, is the most likely replacement, though the Dodgers lack a natural first baseman on the roster. Dalton Rushing, currently on the injured list with a "slight tear" of his own UCL, is not expected to return this season, leaving the Dodgers with limited depth at the position.
Rushing’s injury diagnosis came as the Dodgers grappled with roster constraints. Roberts acknowledged the challenge of replacing Freeman’s production, stating, "He’s been a huge part of our lineup, and to lose him even for a short time is tough." The team’s next steps may include internal options or a potential trade deadline move to bolster the infield.
Ohtani, who hit his 46th home run of the season, reiterated his focus on team success, saying, "It’s too early to think about [MVP]. It’s more important for the team to win." Crow-Armstrong echoed the sentiment, though he acknowledged the fun of the ongoing MVP debate. The Dodgers’ struggles continued to overshadow individual performances, with the team now mired in their second-longest losing streak of the season.