Freddie Freeman hasn’t performed to his usual standards this season, but he is still getting it done offensively as the No. 3 hitter in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.
Through 61 games, the seven-time All-Star is batting .293/.399/.477 with 16 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 35 RBI in 268 plate appearances.
Freeman’s power numbers have dropped from recent years, but he is swinging a better bat as of late and starting to look more like his usual self at the plate. “It’s a consistent grind. It really is,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Freeman’s performance.
“Even when he’s not feeling great, which I’d argue he hasn’t felt great all year, he’s still really performing. Just to show up, to post, compete every day.
“There was a play he made [Saturday] defensively, picking up Kiké (Hernández) with a big tag play. Today, he made a nice play on a double play with holding the bag, which was big. Just being able to show up every day and compete, that sends a message to the clubhouse.”
Even as Freeman went through stretches of inconsistency this year, he remained a steady presence at first base and in the clubhouse.
The 34-year-old continued his recent tear at the plate with a home run off left-hander Austin Gomber in the Dodgers’ 4-0 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. “I hope so,” Roberts answered when asked if Freeman’s home run was an indicator of future success.
“I think that at-bat [Saturday] night, he locked in a little bit better and doubled to left field. Today, I thought he looked more comfortable at the plate. Got a ball close to him and used the middle part of the field, so that was good to see. Took a nice walk. I thought it was much better.”
Freddie Freeman hopes mechanical adjustments stick
When the Dodgers had their Memorial Day matchup against the New York Mets rained out, Freeman used the unexpected day off to review footage of himself with the team’s hitting coaches.
Freeman noticed an issue with his swing and made mechanical adjustments that he hopes stick for the rest of the season.
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