Tyler

Freeman

Freeman made his spring debut Thursday as a right fielder after missing time with a back issue. He’ll be a lot more interesting for fantasy purposes if the Rockies give him a look at second base this spring. He projects as the Rockies’ best OBP guy, but if he’s just an outfielder and a DH, he’s probably not going to play much against righties initially.

Freeman had a solid .281/.354/.361 line over 110 games in his first season in Colorado, but his outfield defense was enough of a problem to turn him into more of a DH as the season went along. We’re not hearing that it’s the plan, but it’d make sense for the Rockies to give him a look back at second base this season. He’s probably the team’s best option in the leadoff spot, and he could offer some mixed-league value if he’s an everyday guy, though that’s in considerable doubt at the moment.

Freeman winds up missing the final week of the regular season with a lingering back issue. The 26-year-old center fielder should have a normal offseason and be a full-go for spring training.

It’s frankly a bit surprising the Rockies haven’t placed Freeman on the injured list since he hasn’t played in nearly one week at this juncture due to a back issue. It appears unlikely he’ll return at any point this weekend with Colorado further away from playoff contention than Blockbuster is from replacing Netflix.

It doesn’t appear that the Rockies are going to send Freeman to the injured list with two games left in the regular season, but he’s been out for nearly a week at this juncture due to a lingering back issue.

There’s little incentive for the last-place Rockies to rush Freeman back as he deals with a lower back ailment. The 26-year-old is presumably day-to-day heading into the final handful of regular-season games.

It’ll be Kyle Farmer taking over at DH with Mickey Moniak moving up to the leadoff spot.

Freeman has been performing in a super utility role for the Rockies and has settled into the leadoff spot in their lineup. He’ll get a breather in this one though. Orlando Arcia will draw a start at second base and bat ninth for the Rockies against Cubs’ right-hander Cade Horton while Mickey Moniak slides up to the leadoff spot in the lineup.

Freeman came back to haunt his former club with a pair of clutch hits during his return to Progressive Field. The 26-year-old outfielder opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the third inning before adding a run-scoring singles in the fifth. He capped off the strong effort with a go-ahead hit against reliever Cade Smith in the top of the ninth inning to put the Rockies ahead for good.

Freeman is back at DH and leading off following a two-game absence due to illness. The 26-year-old outfielder shouldn’t require any additional time off. He’s been one of the few bright spots this season for the Rockies, who have endured an abysmal campaign overall.