Dodgers' Freddie Freeman out with finger injury against Cardinals; Max Muncy returns | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without first baseman Freddie Freeman for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Freeman was unable to grip a bat because of the pain in his finger. He is expected to undergo further tests in Los Angeles.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times mentioned the Dodgers' plan to use Max Muncy and Tommy Edman on Monday. DiGiovanna also noted that Muncy had been catching ground balls at first base before Sunday's game to prepare for a possible role with Freeman out.

Freeman left Saturday's 5-2 loss to St. Louis in the eighth inning after sustaining the injury while catching a ground ball in the seventh inning.

“The X-rays were negative,” Roberts told reporters at the time. “It's different day to day. I hope he's there tomorrow. I'm sure he'll do everything he can to play, but if not, then we'll just read it and react.”

The timing is far from ideal for Los Angeles, as the team has a 1-3 record in its last four games and must keep the fast-growing San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks in check in the National League West.

San Diego is only two games behind, Arizona three.

Freeman is one of the most consistent players in the league, with a resume that includes a World Series title, National League MVP honors, a Gold Glove, three Silver Sluggers and eight All-Star Game nominations.

He has impressed again for the Dodgers this season, with a slash average of .292/.391/.488, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs. If he returns in time and adds 28 RBIs down the stretch, this will be the third consecutive season he reaches the 100 RBI mark.

As for Muncy, the Dodgers placed him on the injured list in May with a strained right oblique muscle. He hasn't played in a game since May 15 and is posting a batting average of .223/.323/.475 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs in 40 games.

Still, he's a proven veteran with a World Series title and two All-Star nods to his name. He can also bolster the lineup and step in when needed until Freeman is ready to return.