Freddie Freeman: Nats killer
For various reasons, certain players hit better against certain teams. Freddie Freeman is an elite first baseman and hits well against every team in the league, but he hits exceptionally well against the Nats.
In 115 games, Freeman has slashed .326/.394/.536 with 17 homers and 71 RBI. His .326 batting average is far and away his highest against any team that he has played at least 45 games against.
Unsurprisingly, Freeman has gotten off to a solid start in 2018. Gabe Kapler may be a rookie manager, but it does not take a genius to know not to give Freeman much to hit.
In three games against the Phillies, Freeman went 3-for-9 with a homer, a double, and seven walks. Yes, you read that right; he had almost as many walks as at-bats. And when the Phillies did not give him a free pass, he made them pay.
Dave Martinez was Joe Maddon‘s bench coach with the Cubs in 2016, when they walked Harper 13 times in four games. Could he do something similar with Freeman this series? Only time will tell.
The Nats also have their fourth and fifth starters scheduled to pitch in Atlanta, which could play a role in Martinez’s decision. And with Tyler Flowers out with an oblique injury, Freeman does not have much protection in the lineup.
Don’t be surprised to see the Nats issue some free passes to Freeman.