Freddie Freeman injury appears serious

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman may miss significant time after being hit by a pitch.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, there is growing concern within the Braves organization that star first basemen Freddie Freeman will be out of action for the foreseeable future after being hit by a pitch on his wrist Wednesday night.

Freeman was putting up sensational numbers to start the season. With 14 home runs and a .341 average, he and Matt Kemp were keeping the Braves relevant and in second place in the National League East.

Because the Braves are in rebuilding mode during 2017, there is less urgency to go out and make a blockbuster trade to acquire a fill-in at this time.

As Heyman discussed, one internal option could have been the injured Adonis Garcia. During last night’s game, the Braves utilized Jace Peterson, regularly used as a middle infielder, at first base. They also just released veteran first basemen Ryan Howard, who was underperforming at Triple-A. One short-term solution would be to platoon Peterson and recall Anthony Recker, a journeyman catcher with some first base experience, who is also on the 40-man roster.

Next: MLB Power Rankings: 30 Best 1B of All-Time

For Fantasy owners, this is a major blow to your lineup, as Freeman has been as consistent as they come through the first two months of the season.  When looking to your waiver wire, potential fill-in candidates could be Logan Morrison, Yonder Alonso (although he left Wednesday’s game with an injury), Marwin Gonzalez, Justin Bour or Josh Bell.  Given his hot start and the fact he’s already surpassed his career high in the power department, Alonso seems like an intriguing option. Just keep an eye on the injury news for him.