Freddie Freeman's Injury Overshadows Dodgers' Sweep by Brewers

In a disheartening turn of events for the Los Angeles Dodgers, first baseman Freddie Freeman left the game after sustaining a contusion to his left wrist from a pitch during the team's 6-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 20, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. This defeat marked the fourth consecutive loss for the Dodgers and the first time in 20 years that they have been swept in a season series by the Brewers, who have dominated the matchup this month, winning all six encounters.

The Dodgers' performance has been concerning, as they have now lost 10 of their last 12 games, with a troubling run differential of 71-36 over this stretch. This downturn represents the organization’s worst 12-game skid since 2018, prompting serious questions about the team’s ability to regain its footing as they approach the latter half of the season.

"Guys are getting frustrated," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "You see kind of more emotion coming in. We just haven’t played good baseball." Freeman's injury adds to the team's woes, as he has been a critical player this season, ranking among the leaders with a batting average of .292, 47 runs, and 95 hits. X-rays on his wrist returned negative, but he is currently listed as day-to-day.

The Dodgers' troubles extended beyond Freeman’s injury. The team committed three errors during the game, contributing to two unearned runs for the Brewers. This defensive breakdown allowed the Brewers to capitalize on mistakes, leading to a three-run fourth inning that ultimately sealed the Dodgers' fate in the contest. "We’ve got to figure it out. We’ve got to play better," said star outfielder Mookie Betts, who has struggled recently, hitting just .189 in July.

Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers’ veteran pitcher, expressed his frustration as well, stating, "I’m frustrated. We’re all frustrated. I don’t know how else to say it." Despite a solid start, Kershaw’s outing was marred by defensive lapses that forced him to throw 29 pitches in the fourth inning alone. The Dodgers’ bullpen has also struggled, with an earned run average of 4.39, ranking 12th in the National League.

In a glimmer of hope, pitchers Blake Snell and Blake Treinen are making progress in their rehabilitation and could return to bolster the roster shortly. Snell, out since April 6 due to shoulder inflammation, threw 58 pitches over four innings in a rehab appearance, while Treinen, recovering from a forearm strain, had a perfect inning in his outing.

The impact of Freeman’s potential absence could be significant as the Dodgers attempt to stabilize their season. The franchise has long been a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, and such injuries at this critical juncture could derail their championship aspirations. As they navigate these challenges, the Dodgers will need to address their defensive inefficiencies and find ways to rally together to improve their performance on the field.

As the Dodgers prepare for their next series, the questions loom: Can they bounce back from this losing streak? Will Freeman's injury heal quickly enough to prevent further damage to the team's morale? With the trade deadline approaching, the front office may need to consider options to reinforce the roster, ensuring the Dodgers remain competitive in the relentless pursuit of the postseason. The stakes are high, and the time for reflection and action is now for Los Angeles.