Freddie Freeman is in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the first time this spring as they play the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on Thursday afternoon.
But as the 35-year-old continues to navigate a rehab process of sorts since undergoing surgery on his right ankle during the offseason, Freeman’s first Cactus League game of the year comes as the designated hitter. Griffin Lockwood-Powell is starting at first base.
While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had targeted Thursday for Freeman’s 2025 Spring Training debut, he gave indications it would not yet come as the first baseman.
“The running, he’s passed all of those checkmarks. Jumping, coming down on the ankle, is something we don’t feel 100% right now,” Roberts explained earlier in the week.
Roberts indicated prior to Thursday’s game that Freeman continues to progress well but the Dodgers simply want to err on the side of caution. That includes if Freeman reaches base against the Rockies.
“We talked about it,” Roberts said of reminding Freeman to be mindful of his ankle.
The plan for Freeman is to take two at-bats as he eases into game action. He has faced live pitching multiple times during Dodgers workouts at Camelback Ranch.
If all goes well against the Rockies, it’s plausible Freeman plays first base on Saturday.
Freddie Freeman on track for Opening Day
Despite his delayed start to Spring Training games, Freeman has maintained confidence he will be in the Dodgers lineup for Opening Day of the Tokyo Series.
Freeman has been encouraged by the steady progress made in his recovery from surgery, which was necessary due to damage sustained when he suffered a significant sprained right ankle during the final week of the 2024 regular season.
Dodgers lineup
SS: Mookie Betts
DH: Freddie Freeman
LF: Michael Conforto
3B: Kiké Hernández
CF: Tommy Edman
C: Austin Barnes
RF: James Outman
2B: David Bote
1B: Griffin Lockwood-Powell
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