Freddie dealing with respiratory infection

ATLANTA -- Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is dealing with an upper respiratory infection that forced him to make an early exit from Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to the Nationals at Truist Park.

Freeman was removed from the game shortly after flying out to center field in his first-inning plate appearance. The reigning National League MVP felt dizzy as he returned to the dugout. Though he was feeling sick most of the day, Freeman was hoping to get through the game without any issues.

“He wasn't feeling great before the game, but he thought he could play,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said postgame. “I think after he got out there and started running around, he wasn't feeling good.”

Freeman tested negative for COVID-19 before the game. The thought is he is likely dealing with the same bug each of his three young sons dealt with earlier this week.

“I’m hoping he’ll be available [Sunday],” Snitker said.

Freeman entered Saturday hitting an MLB-best .367 with a 1.014 OPS going back to June 10. If he’s not available on Sunday, third baseman Austin Riley will likely shift to first base like he did for the final eight innings of Saturday’s game.