The Atlanta Braves continued Grapefruit League play Tuesday, but Freddie Freeman was scratched from the lineup with soreness in his surgically repaired elbow.
Julio Jones takes zero snaps during preseason, exhibition play. If that's what the Braves need to do with Freeman, then do it. Shut him down and allow him to get healthy. You're not winning the World Series with Cole Hamels. If you mess around with Freeman, you've got a whole world of problems. It's OK to shut him down. Protect him from himself. There is no reason to be risking further damage or injury right now. If you think he has an irritation and needs a couple of days, sit him for two weeks.
Acuña is the most talented player on the roster, but Freeman is The. Most. Important. It may not be a big deal... so don't play him. If he doens't play, he can't get worse. He doesn't need to "get ready to play." He's a 10-year veteran that is one of the top 15 Players in the MLB.
So, Atlanta Braves... take a page from the Falcons, and shut him down.




