Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is facing an unexpected hurdle as he prepares for the postseason: an ankle sprain that would normally sideline a player for four to six weeks. However, Freeman is determined to overcome the injury and get back on the field far sooner, aiming to be ready in just one week. “I feel stable enough to hit,” Freeman explained. “Pushing off today, I tried to push as hard as I could and felt good enough.”
While the ankle injury presents some challenges, particularly when it comes to sprinting and covering first base, Freeman remains optimistic. “There’s just going to be certain plays where slowing down will be tough,” he admitted, but insisted he won’t let it hinder his performance: “No one’s going to worry about me hindering or anything like that tomorrow. We just have to win ballgames, and that’s my focus.”
Freeman also discussed the difficulties he faced in the second half of the season, which had already been a challenge even before the injury. “The last couple of months have been a lot. I felt like I was starting to hit the line drives to left field before I sprained my ankle,” he said. Despite the setback, he was able to return to action during a simulated game, where he tested his swing and felt confident about his ability to contribute: “Even in the sim game yesterday, I was able to hit the line drive to left field. Swing’s been feeling really good in the cage.”
For a player who prides himself on durability, having to take time off has been frustrating, but Freeman has found some silver linings in spending more time with his family. “I got to stay home for those three days, and getting to see Max [his son] walking now — things are just so much better,” he shared. “It’s been challenging, with injuries you just didn’t think were going to happen, but they do, and every year is different.”
Looking ahead to the postseason, Freeman is eager to help lead the Dodgers in their quest for another championship. He praised teammate Shohei Ohtani, who will also be making his first postseason appearance, for how he has handled the pressure: “He seemed to pick it up. We saw it in the WBC when he represented Japan — he’s already played in big moments.”
Despite the personal challenges Freeman has faced, he remains upbeat and determined to give his best effort. “We’ve got Game 1 of the playoffs tomorrow. Smile on your face, everything’s okay, and hopefully, we can end this on a good note.”
As the Dodgers gear up for their postseason run, Freeman’s leadership, experience, and determination will undoubtedly be crucial to the team’s success. With his focus set on winning and overcoming his injury, Freeman is ready to give it his all on the field and help push his team toward another championship.
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