Freddie Freeman’s Spring Training Struggles
Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ first baseman, has faced a challenging spring training following offseason surgery on his right ankle. The 35-year-old underwent a debridement surgery in December to clean up loose bodies and chipped cartilage that had migrated to his Achilles’ tendon. Despite the physical toll, Freeman has maintained a sense of humor, joking with the umpire during a recent game and even cracking a few jokes with his coaches. The session, which involved taking swings against minor-league pitchers, was a grind, with Freeman experiencing some frustration as he rolled soft grounders and occasionally missed swings.
The Road to Recovery
Coming off a triumphant World Series victory and a celebratory offseason, Freeman’s recovery process has been anything but smooth. The ankle, which ached well into the offseason, required an MRI that revealed the need for surgery. By January, there were doubts about whether he would be ready for Opening Day. Manager Dave Roberts noted that Freeman "wasn’t moving very well, wasn’t recovering, and still in a lot of pain." However, Freeman’s determination and hard work have paid off, and he is now on track to be in the lineup when the Dodgers kick off their season on March 18-19 in Japan against the Chicago Cubs.
Making Progress
Freeman made his Cactus League debut on Thursday, recording a one-for-three performance in a 2-0 loss to the Colorado Rockies. While his ankle isn’t 100% yet, he felt good at the plate, seeing the pitches well and swinging at strikes. "I felt pretty good today," Freeman said after the game. "Saw the pitches well. Felt like I swung at strikes. Just wanted to swing a lot today. That was my goal, to see where the timing was." Freeman still has more hurdles to clear, including fielding practice and completing his running progress, but he remains optimistic about his recovery.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite his progress, Freeman acknowledges that his recovery is far from over. He will likely have to tape his ankle for games until around the All-Star break and will be a regular presence in the training room. Lower-body injuries, especially ankle issues, are notoriously difficult to rehab, and Freeman expects it to require more treatment than he would prefer. "I do believe it’s gonna be a lot more treatment-wise than I would like," he said. He may even agree to take an occasional off day early in the season, something he has been reluctant to do throughout his 15-year career.
The Support and Interest
Freeman’s popularity has surged since his World Series MVP performance and walk-off grand slam last October. Fans have been stopping him even in grocery stores to express their gratitude and admiration. While it’s uncomfortable for him at times, Freeman appreciates the support. "I appreciate it. I really do. It’s not something you set out for, but taking it in stride. You appreciate what you were able to create for people. I don’t take that for granted," he said with a laugh. The loud reception and "Fredd-ie! Fredd-ie!" chants before his first at-bat and as he left the field are a testament to his fan base.
Looking Forward
Freeman is excited about the Dodgers’ upcoming trip to Japan, where they will play the Chicago Cubs. However, he is most looking forward to the team’s domestic home-opener, where they will receive their championship rings. "For me, it’s easy to focus on the now, but I can still appreciate last year," Freeman said. His determination to be on the field for this special moment, despite the lingering effects of his ankle injury, underscores his dedication and the importance of last season’s success.
