Freddie Freeman is not in the lineup of Braves today; here's why

Freddie Freeman, the Braves first baseman, learned Tuesday night in Brian Snitker's office that he would not be in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Boston Red Sox at SunTrust Park.

"I received a message after Tuesday's game that said," Come see me before you leave, after you finish eating, "Freeman said Wednesday morning." So I went there and we went sat down and talked for a few minutes, and we came to the conclusion – the more he told me – that I was not going to play today.

"I gave my two cents that I wanted to play, but … I think it was the right time to recharge the battery."

So Freeman, famous for his resistance to taking days off, was out of the starting line in the farm finale. Recently acquired, Lucas Duda started at first base.

The day off came with Freeman in a collapse of 8 for 51 over his last 13 games, dating back to August 22. He has not hit a home race against a team other than the Miami Marlins since July 1st. were against Miami.

It was just a day off for Freeman, not the result of any injury, Snitker and Freeman said.

"Just give him the day off, letting him relax a bit. That's all there is to it, "said Snitker. "… it's just one of those things as a manager, I see things and I think it will be good for him."

Freeman said his left wrist, which he broke last season, making him miss seven weeks, does not bother him.

"The wrist is quite good," Freeman said. "I did not feel any wrist pain all year long. I feel good."

By Wednesday, Freeman and Nick Markakis had been the only teammates in the National League this season to kick off all of their team's games.

"I feel like I'm back in 2014, when I played 162 (matches) and did not have the second half I wanted," said Freeman. "In my mind, I never want to take a day off. It's always hard for me to consider this now. But when I think about 2014, I think Snit is the right choice.

"Sometimes my stubbornness is an obstacle. I want to be there, but this could be the perfect time to reload and have a nice little game of 20 games at the end. "

Freeman is available to hit Wednesday's game if necessary.

Despite the recent crisis, Freeman ranks sixth in the National League batting average (.305) and is tied for second place (162).