Freddie Freeman has been a mainstay for the Los Angeles Dodgers since they signed him prior to the 2022 season, but recently he has been forced to play through injury.
The 35-year-old first injured his ankle at the end of the 2024 season, and after playing through pain in the postseason, he underwent offseason surgery.
Freeman then missed the Tokyo Series to start 2025, but returned to the Dodgers lineup for the home opener on March 28. However, he slipped in his shower in early April and ended up on the 10-day injured list.
Even in Spring Training, Freeman knew he would have to continue to manage his ankle. Although he’s someone who never wants to sit out a game, Freeman acknowledged he may need more rest days throughout the year.
With the Dodgers now on a 10-game roadtrip, Freeman may have to take a game or two off to get some rest for his ankle.
“We’ll see,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I know he expects to, which is a good thing. I do expect him to play three in Atlanta, and then I do expect him to play four in Arizona.
“We’ll figure out those middle games.”
Freeman was in the lineup for both games against the Atlanta Braves thus far, and he’s expected to start in the series finale on Sunday as well.
From there, the Dodgers travel to face the Miami Marlins for three games from May 5-7, when Freeman could get a day or two off.
It makes sense for the Dodgers to rest Freeman before they begin a four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Dodgers don’t want Freddie Freeman stealing bases
Freeman isn’t known for his speed, but he is a smart baserunner and has been able to swipe a base here and there. Despite that, Roberts does not want to see Freeman attempting to steal any bases until his ankle is fully recovered.
Freeman believes he’s able to run the bases without any hesitation or concern, but the Dodgers will always err on the side of caution early in the season.
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