Freddie Freeman Lands on 10-Day Injured List After Minor Shower Incident

In an unexpected turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has been moved to the 10-day injured list with a right ankle sprain, retroactive to Monday. Freeman, who missed the entire Atlanta Braves series due to the injury, slipped while stepping into the shower at home, leading to the unfortunate setback. This marks Freeman’s first trip to the injured list since 2020.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that Freeman’s absence would be brief, stating that the team remains hopeful that the slugger will only miss the minimum 10 days. This timeline would align Freeman’s potential return with the Dodgers’ six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies next Friday — an added bonus as it coincides with his bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.

Freeman’s Condition and Roberts’ Expectations

Dave Roberts confirmed that Freeman’s ankle is in a good enough condition for him to play, but the Dodgers opted to hold him out to prevent further aggravation or swelling, particularly during the long flight to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The team’s primary concern is ensuring that the injury does not worsen during travel.

“We wanted to be cautious and not take any chances,” Roberts said. “The MRI came back the way we wanted it to, and we expect Freddie to be ready when we return home after this trip.”

Freeman will remain in Los Angeles for the duration of the Dodgers’ road trip. He underwent an MRI on his ankle, which provided positive results, reassuring the team that it isn’t a serious issue. The Dodgers are optimistic that he will return to the lineup in time for next Friday’s games against the Cubs and Rockies, marking his first home appearance since the injury.

Temporary Replacement: Hunter Feduccia Called Up

With Freeman landing on the IL, the Dodgers have called up catcher Hunter Feduccia from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill his roster spot. Feduccia, who received his 2024 World Series ring upon his return, will serve primarily as a left-handed pinch-hitter off the bench.

In Freeman’s absence, utility player Kiké Hernández is expected to step in and handle most of the starts at first base. Hernandez’s versatility and experience at multiple positions make him a reliable option to fill Freeman’s shoes during this short-term injury.

A Setback, But Not a Major Concern

While the loss of Freeman, one of the league’s top hitters, is a blow to the Dodgers’ lineup, the team remains confident in their ability to weather the storm. With a strong roster and key players like Hernández and Feduccia stepping up, the Dodgers are in a good position to stay competitive while Freeman recovers.

Freeman’s ankle injury is certainly a setback for the team, but given the positive MRI results and the team’s cautious approach, it seems likely that Freeman will return to action sooner rather than later. The Dodgers will certainly be eager to welcome him back as they continue their season and look to maintain their dominance in the National League.