Many in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization had plenty of reason to be excited about the signing of Blake Snell in the offseason, with Freddie Freeman among them.
Freeman has good numbers against Snell in his career, with six hits in 26 at-bats, two doubles, four walks and five RBI in 26 plate appearances. However, Snell has been able to keep Freeman somewhat in check with only the two doubles and no home runs allowed, translating to a .364 slugging percentage.
Freeman’s batting average against Snell is nearly identical to his numbers against left-handers for his career, but the slugging percentage is well below his .453 mark.
While neither player has outright dominated their head to head matchups, it’s a lot easier to play together than compete against one another.
Being on the same team also offers Snell the opportunity to see the work Freeman puts in behind the scenes. The experience has opened Snell’s eyes as to why Freeman has been one of MLB’s best for so long, via “Dodger Talk” with David Vassegh:
“Yeah, I definitely do. He’s better than I thought. I just like his consistency, his work ethic. Everything he does is consistent. Same guy every day, doing the same thing, same approach, same intent. It makes sense why he’s as good as he is.”
Freeman is in the midst of an MVP caliber year through the early part of the season and recently was named National League Player of the Week.
That’s all come while playing on a surgically-repaired right ankle that isn’t yet 100% healthy and one that Freeman aggravated in April.
Unfortunately, Snell hasn’t been able to provide the impact the Dodgers were hoping for when they signed him to a sizable five-year, $182 million contract. He only threw nine innings before going on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation.
Snell encountered a setback in the initial process of his recovery but has since started throwing for a second time.
Freddie Freeman participates in Make-A-Wish
At the start of their last homestand the Dodgers hosted seven Make-A-Wish kids in partnership with Fanatics. The kids were treated to a private tour of the Dodgers clubhouse and also got to play catch on the field after watching batting practice.
Freeman then was among the Dodgers who caught the ceremonial first pitch from the group.
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