Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an encouraging update on Wednesday, revealing that All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman is on track to return to the team’s lineup on Friday. This marks the earliest possible date for Freeman to come off the injured list, where he was placed the previous week after an unfortunate slip in the shower aggravated his surgically-repaired ankle.
Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Freddie Freeman’s Return
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Freeman’s absence appears to be relatively short-lived, with the expectation that he will miss just nine games due to this latest ankle issue. His return could not come at a more opportune time for Los Angeles, as the team has struggled recently, losing four of their last five contests, including a current three-game losing streak.
The Dodgers will play one more game without their star first baseman on Wednesday before they anticipate welcoming him back into his familiar role at first base on Friday. In Freeman’s absence, Enrique Hernández has filled in at first base. While Hernández has contributed four home runs this season, those represent his only hits, resulting in a batting average of just .111. I
n contrast, Freeman has been highly productive in his limited appearances this season, going 3-for-12 with two home runs and an impressive OPS of 1.083 across three games played.