Knee issue keeps Freese out of starting lineup

June 11th, 2019

ANAHEIM -- is nursing a mild but nagging case of right knee tendinitis, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in explaining why he gave Enrique Hernandez his first start of the year at first base in Monday night’s game against the Angels.

With Justin Turner earmarked for designated-hitter duty in the pair of Interleague games to rest a tight hamstring, Max Muncy moved to third base. Roberts said Freese was available off the bench, but he didn’t want the 36-year-old on his feet on defense.

“It’s more for us to try to manage it,” said Roberts. “Just making sure it doesn’t get worse. Could have played today but trying to get ahead of it. Try to get it dissipated a little bit.”

• Left-handed reliever underwent labrum surgery last week and is done for the rest of the year. Roberts said a full recovery is expected. Cingrani will be a free agent after the season.

Cingrani was a key bullpen piece in 2017 after his acquisition that July 31 from Cincinnati, but was injured in the spring of 2018 and hasn’t been the same since. He pitched only 22 2/3 innings for the Dodgers last year and none this year.

• Utilityman worked out with the team during a break from his Minor League rehab assignment for a sore hip flexor. He will resume the assignment with Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday and Thursday with a day off on Friday and then a reevaluation, Roberts said.