Freeman is back after sitting out Sunday night’s series finale against the Cubs. The Dodgers are going to carefully manage the 35-year-old veteran’s workload over the next few weeks as he works his way back from a sprain in his surgically-repaired right ankle.

It’s doesn’t come as a total surprise to see the Dodgers giving Freeman a break after playing two straight games at first base in his return from the injured list. He’s gone 1-for-6 with three strikeouts during that span. It’s not uncommon for a player that skips a minor league rehab assignment to need a couple games to get their timing back at the dish. It’ll be Enrique Hernández handling the cold corner on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium.

Freeman went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts on Friday in his return to Los Angeles’ lineup following a nearly two-week absence recovering from a right ankle sprain. It’s an encouraging sign for the Dodgers, and fantasy managers, that the veteran first baseman is feeling well enough physically to play back-to-back contests right out of the gate.

As expected, Freeman will make his triumphant return to the Dodgers’ lineup on Friday night against the Cubs. The 35-year-old slugger told reporters that he’s feeling as good as he has felt all year and that he feels like he could steal a base. The Dodgers probably won’t be giving him that green light as he eases back into action, but it’s nice to hear that he’s feeling spry as he returns to action.