Braves star Freddie Freeman was back in the lineup for Atlanta’s Friday road game against the New York Mets after missing two games due to a sore right elbow.
Freeman didn’t travel for a two-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday and Wednesday, spending the week receiving treatment. The elbow began bothering the four-time All-Star first baseman in July.
Freeman entered play Friday batting .296, and he has established career highs of 38 homers and 121 RBIs. However, the elbow has affected his power, as his last homers came on Sept. 1, when he went deep twice.
Also, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said outfielder Ender Inciarte (hamstring) will miss the first round of the playoffs. Inciarte could return later in the postseason if the Braves advance.
Atlanta will face the National League Central winner — either the St. Louis Cardinals or Milwaukee Brewers — in an NL Division Series.