Freddie Freeman is Disappearing for the Braves at the Worst Possible Time

For all the razzle-dazzle supplied by Ronald Acuña and Ozzie Albies at the top of the order, first baseman Freddie Freeman is still the engine that drives the Atlanta Braves. Freeman, who hit .295 with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs on the year, figured to be a major force in their NLDS series against the St. Louis Cardinals, but he's barely gotten the ball out of the infield. He went 0-4 with three strikeouts in their ill-fated Game 4, furthering what was already his toughest slump of the season.

After going 2-4 with a home run in Game 1, Freeman hasn't recorded a hit in his last 11 at bats.

Freeman was ice cold to end the regular season due to a nagging elbow injury, as he hit .111 in his last 12 games. His funk has carried over to the postseason, unfortunately, and he looks like a totally different player.

And the timing could not be worse for the NL East champs, who will host a decisive NLDS Game 5 against the Redbirds after giving up the lead in Game 4.

Atlanta didn't get here on pitching, and they can't rely on pitching to keep bailing them out. He's as talented as the come at first base, but Freeman has not been pulling his weight in this series. Now the Braves are 27 outs away from going home in upset fashion.