Team Canada picked up their second win of the 2023 World Baseball Classic but are finishing Pool C play without Freddie Freeman in the lineup against Team Mexico.
The Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star first baseman was removed in the fourth inning of Canada’s game on Monday due to what the broadcast described as a minor hamstring injury.
“Right now he had tightness in his hammy,” Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt said after the shutout win against Colombia. “And of course for precautionary reasons we took him out of the game right away. He felt something on one of his swings, his second at-bat.
“So again we would do that to anyone if there’s discomfort or something like that, we’re going to take them out. All precautions. … I don’t foresee Freddie being in it for [Wednesday]. We’re waiting from the doctors to see what they say and also the Dodgers. Again, that’s the most important thing is his health.”
On Tuesday, Whitt added: “He’s out of this tournament for now. The Dodgers decided that — he’s over in camp right now getting looked at by the doctors and training staff. He’ll miss today’s game, obviously.”
Freeman is playing in the WBC for a second time in his career. Canada was winless during his last time participating, which Freeman was hoping would change.
“Six years ago we went 0-3, so I would like that to be different this time,” he said before the 2023 World Baseball Classic began. “There’s some guys that opted out and we’re going to be young, but I think we’ve still got a good chance. I really just want to make it tough on the USA.
“It’s going to be good. I’m looking forward to it. I never played winter ball, and in 2017, our first game was against the Dominican. Wow, that was fun. It was 30,000 people in Miami, bells going off. We got beat kind of good, but it was fun. It was an atmosphere you obviously don’t get in Spring Training. It’s a good mix up for us.”
Freeman plays for Team Canada in order to honor his parents, and in particular his mother, Rosemary Joy, who passed away in 2000 when he was 10 years old.
“Most people just know about my mom, but my dad is Canadian too,” Freeman explained. “He was born in Windsor, Ontario; my mom was born in Toronto, and she passed when I was 10. So I play for Team Canada to honor her and her memory.”
Barring upsets, Freeman and Team Canada will be eliminated from the WBC on Wednesday.
Freddie Freeman worried about WBC injuries
Although Freeman was looking forward to again playing in the World Baseball Classic — albeit primarily for starting pitchers.
“You’re just a little nervous with the ramp-up,” he admitted. “Because in Spring Training, you go three innings, four innings, 50 to 55 pitches to get your work done. Maybe you only go 40 (pitches) and throw 20 more in the bullpen. It’s a little bit different for starters.
“As long as everyone has fun and stays healthy, that’s all we can really ask for. Hopefully it’s a good tournament.”
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!
