As the Los Angeles Dodgers anxiously await Freddie Freeman’s spring training debut, manager Dave Roberts has finally revealed when fans will be able to see the World Series MVP take the field.
Fans haven’t seen Freeman since his October heroics, helping to secure the franchise’s eighth World Series championship.
Freeman underwent ankle surgery in early December after an awkward step in late September. Believe it or not, it was nagging him during the entirety of that historic postseason.
As Freeman has recently returned to running earlier this week, Roberts gave another promising update on when the eight-time All-Star will start his Cactus League play.
Per Roberts, Freeman will debut on Thursday, but it isn’t decided yet if it will be at first base or as a designated hitter.
Dave Roberts said Freddie Freeman will make his Cactus League debut on Thursday. TBD if it will be at first base or DH
Freeman said he’s got three big days of running coming up. He still has to incorporate more cutting/jumping to get the green light for defense in a game
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 24, 2025
Dave Roberts said Freddie Freeman will make his Cactus League debut on Thursday. TBD if it will be at first base or DH
Freeman said he’s got three big days of running coming up. He still has to incorporate more cutting/jumping to get the green light for defense in a game
Freeman was dominant for all of October, batting .250/.291/.519 with an OPS of .810, but it was his illustrious World Series performance that would immortalize him among the game’s greatest in 2024.
His four home runs, 12 RBIs, and absurd 1.364 OPS in the Fall Classic proved to be the difference en route to defeating the New York Yankees in five games.
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Freeman’s recovery this offseason was easy to forget about given the influx of talent and the countless deals made by the front office since hoisting the World Series trophy.
As the first baseman ramps up his return, he will be joined by a different-looking team than the one he led to a championship a few months prior — but certainly not one lacking in talent.
Cy Young award-winners, international phenoms, and demonstrated hitters have all joined the ball club and are set to join Freeman in the Dodgers’ quest to become baseball’s first back-to-back champions in a quarter-century.
Freeman’s return is more than just an injured player coming back to the field, but rather one of the pillars of the clubhouse coming back to the team.
His stellar play is just as impactful as his presence to the rest of the franchise, and fans will finally be able to see him play once again on Thursday.
