Freddie Freeman has again been a stalwart for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season and started each game heading into Friday’s series opener against the Houston Astros.
That became challenging over the past week as one of Freeman’s three sons, Maximus, fell ill. Chelsea Freeman, Freddie’s wife, has chronicled some of the challenges the family has faced through posts on Instagram.
Chelsea shared that Maximus got sick during the family’s visit to the All-Star Game at Globe Life Field, which Freeman had previously alluded to when explaining his decision to leave the Home Run Derby early.
Although Freeman remained in the Dodgers lineup, he’s now left the team in order to return to Los Angeles to be with his family, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
Freddie Freeman will not be in the #Dodgers lineup. He’s going back home to be with his family.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 26, 2024
#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he’s not sure how long Freddie Freeman will be away from the team. They all just felt it was better for Freeman to be with his family during a difficult time.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 26, 2024
Freddie Freeman hasn't missed a game this season and keeps posting even as his family is going through a difficult time. @chelseafree5 shared this 💙 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bvCHOYXNYI
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 25, 2024
Friday’s game is the first Freeman has not started this season. That eight-time All-Star takes pride in being in the lineup each day and hasn’t rested the past two seasons until after the Dodgers clinched the National League West division.
The Dodgers are going to be short one position player for their first game against the Astros, but presumably will add a replacement for Freeman on Saturday, given it’s unclear how long he will need to be away from the team.
What happened to Freddie Freeman’s son?
Chelsea has shared on social media that doctors believe Maximus is suffering from transient synovitis. The virus makes it difficult, if not impossible, for him to stand or walk.
Chelsea also described Max as being “very lethargic,” which prompted a visit to the emergency room on Wednesday. Freeman met his wife and son at the hospital that night and remained there until being discharged around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday morning.
He went 1-for-4 in the Dodgers’ win on Thursday.
Chelsea had indicated if Max’s condition did not improve over the next 48 hours, they would need to be back in the hospital.
Freddie and Chelsea Freeman have been married since 2014 and have three children together, Charlie, Brandon and Maximus.
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