The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost four of their last five games, including walk-off losses to the Houston Astros on July 27 and the San Diego Padres on July 30. One notable absence from the Dodgers' starting lineup is All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Freeman's been out since July 25, when he went 1-for-4 from the plate in the Dodgers' 6-4 win over San Francisco. Today, Freeman's wife Chelsea explained his absence in a post on her Instagram page. He's been out of the lineup due to health issues for their three-year-old son, Maximus.

Why is Freddie Freeman not playing?

Chelsea confirmed on Instagram that their son is "battling a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome." She explained that he went into full body paralysis last Friday and Freeman, who was in Houston for the Dodgers' series against the Astros, flew back to the hospital where Maximus and Chelsea were.

He hasn't been back in the lineup since then.

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"We have been blown away by his improvements in the last 48 hours," Chelsea said in her Instagram post. "Maximus was excavated from his breathing tube and taken off of the ventilator yesterday, which is a huge win for us. We believe in the power of prayer and we have been witnessing a miracle in his recovery. Please continue to cover Maximus and our family in your prayers. We really appreciate and have felt all of your support."

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks nerves, according to the Mayo Clinic. The first symptoms are usually weakness and a tingling feeling in the hands and feet.

It can quickly progress to paralysis, which is what happened to Freeman's son. There is no specific cure for the syndrome but treatments can help speed up recovery and reduce symptoms. Former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro center Travis Frederick missed the 2018 NFL season due to Guillain–Barré syndrome but returned in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl.

Freddie Freeman's missed games

There's no timetable for Freeman's return. Cavan Biggio has started at first base in his absence and has gone 4-for-17 with two home runs and five RBI over the last five games.

Los Angeles heads north this weekend for a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics.