HOUSTON — Dodgers superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman left Houston before Friday’s series opener against the Astros and will be returning home to Los Angeles due to a family matter.

On Thursday, Freeman’s wife, Chelsea, announced on Instagram that their three-year old son, Maximus, was hospitalized as he battled transient synovitis, an illness that has progressed from a viral infection Maximus came down with at the All-Star Game in Texas.

Freeman made the trip with the Dodgers, but was scratched from the lineup two hours before first pitch. There’s no timetable for Freeman’s return. Right now, the Dodgers and Freeman want to prioritize being with his family during a difficult time.

“He’s gonna get back and obviously the last few days, he hasn’t been here,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Emotionally, it’s been certainly hard for him. He needs to be with his family.”

Freeman was seen running out of the Dodgers’ clubhouse immediately after Tuesday’s win over the Giants. The following day, Chelsea announced the news regarding their son. When approached on Friday, an understandably visibly distraught Freeman went back into the Dodgers’ dining room without any comment.

Chelsea wrote on Instagram Thursday. “Max update: We ended up taking him to the ER last night. Freddie met me straight from the game. He stopped eating or drinking and was very lethargic. It took 2 attempts to get IV in and Max was so brave he didn’t even cry. They ran a ton of tests and bloodwork panels that thank God they all came back negative. No infection or active virus. They hydrated him and gave him anti inflammatory medicine through IV. Took x-rays and ultrasound. Everything is consistent with transient synovitis. He still cannot bear any weight or stand or walk, so we will be closely monitoring him.

“If he doesn’t improve in 48 hrs he needs to go back to the hospital. We got discharged around 3:30 am. The children’s hospital staff were amazing. There is really nothing worse than seeing your child in pain. My heart breaks for all the families that have it worse. Thank you so much for the prayers.”

As of now, the Dodgers haven’t made a roster move for Freeman. He could be placed on the Family Emergency List, which would require him to miss at least the next three days. Notably, the Dodgers start a two-game set against the Padres on Tuesday, which could be helpful in terms of travel.

Roberts, however, said no decision has been made yet, as the priority was on getting Freeman home on Friday. The series opener against the Astros was the first game Freeman hasn’t started all season.

In his absence, the Dodgers will lean on Cavan Biggio and Kiké Hernandez as the two first-base options. The Dodgers could also choose to call up a first baseman or acquire another position player before the July 30 Trade Deadline on Tuesday. Los Angeles is also currently without Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor.