The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Spring Training with several players not quite 100% healthy and thus being slow-played during the first week of their Cactus League schedule.
Freddie Freeman and Will Smith are among position players who have yet to appear in a game as they recover from respective ankle injuries. In Freeman’s case, he underwent offseason surgery to remove cartilage and shave some bone spurs in the right ankle he sprained during the final week of the regular season.
Meanwhile, Bobby Miller is also on the mend after taking a 106 mph line drive to the forehead during his outing in the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Dodgers player updates
Freddie Freeman
Freeman underwent right ankle surgery during the offseason and only recently resumed running. However, he has not yet advanced to jumping or landing.
Freeman could potentially play in his first Cactus League game on Thursday, but it’s not yet clear if that will come at first base or the Dodgers’ designated hitter. The 35-year-old took live swings on the backfields of Camelback Ranch on Monday.
“The running, he’s passed all of those checkmarks. Jumping, coming down on the ankle, is something we don’t feel 100% right now,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“So he’s going to test that out. But the hitting, the running, fielding the grounders, we feel really good about. Today, he’s going to take some live at-bats. Same thing Shohei did yesterday, Freddie and Will will be on the Minor League side, taking some at-bats.”
Bobby Miller
Miller resumed throwing on Monday for the first time since his scary incident last week. The 25-year-old had been in concussion protocol up until this point, but managed to avoid a serious injury.
“I like the way that you’ve sort of got to get back on the horse, and I think he is of that mind,” Roberts said. “When you start layering on getting back on the mound and a hitter, that’s another hurdle, I’m assuming. But we’re going to support him and I’m confident he’s going to be just fine.”
It remains unclear when Miller will make his next appearance for the Dodgers in a Cactus League game.
Will Smith
Smith, who has dealt with a nagging left ankle injury since last season, could make his 2025 Dodgers Spring Training debut on Thursday or Friday.
Like Freeman, Smith took live swings on the backfields of Camelback Ranch on Monday.
“We’re ready to get him in a ballgame,” Roberts said.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
