Freddie Freeman, the well-respected first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is making notable strides on the road to recovery following offseason surgery on his ankle. He recently expressed that he is “perfectly on track” as the Dodgers gear up for their highly anticipated season opener. During the team’s initial full-squad workout, Freeman displayed an impressive commitment to his rehabilitation by running at 80 percent of his body weight utilizing a specialized microgravity treadmill. Additionally, his enthusiasm was palpable as he participated in live batting practice—an endeavor he teasingly admitted he wasn’t technically cleared for.
Freeman’s arduous journey began when he navigated the final stages of the previous season while grappling with significant discomfort in his right ankle. Initially attributing the pain to the cumulative stress of a long season, Freeman hoped that rest and physical therapy would suffice. However, when swelling persisted well into the Thanksgiving period, he underwent an MRI that prompted a necessary surgical intervention. The procedure did not involve repairing previously torn ligaments, but required Dr. Kenneth Jung to address bone spurs and remove cartilage that had settled awkwardly near his Achilles tendon.
Following his surgery, Freeman’s timeline for recovery began in earnest eight weeks later, when he resumed hitting. His commitment has been unwavering; upon arriving at Camelback Ranch, he has dedicated himself to daily batting practice. With the hope of regaining full mobility in his legs by next week, Freeman is optimistic about participating in Cactus League games as a designated hitter by the end of February. Typically, he aims for around 50 plate appearances before feeling fully in-game ready. However, with the Dodgers set to kick off their 2024 season in Japan on March 18—markedly ahead of the majority of other teams—Freeman’s quest for at-bats presents an interesting challenge. Fortunately, opportunities for additional reps exist within the team’s training complex.
Freeman’s injury woes weren’t limited to his ankle last season; he also contended with fractured costal cartilage in his rib, a serious ailment that usually sidelines athletes for extended periods. Remarkably, as the playoffs progressed, he reported significant improvement and did not require further treatment over the winter. Moreover, a jammed middle finger sustained earlier in the regular season has completely healed, allowing Freeman to approach the upcoming season with renewed vigor.
Reflections on a Memorable Postseason
Freeman’s journey is not solely defined by his physical challenges; it is also intertwined with memorable encounters from last year’s postseason. He notably etched his name in baseball history by hitting a walk-off grand slam in the first game of the World Series—a standout moment that culminated in the Dodgers’ first full-season championship since 1988. The emotional significance of that achievement resonates deeply with Freeman, particularly given personal triumphs that paralleled his professional victories, including one of his sons overcoming Guillain-Barré syndrome earlier that year.
The reverberations of his iconic home run continue to resonate with fans, many of whom have immortalized the moment with tattoos. Last Christmas, Freeman and his oldest son, Charlie, learned about that extraordinary game through YouTube, even drawing parallels to Kirk Gibson’s unforgettable feat from decades prior. Despite the nostalgic allure of these memories, Freeman finds himself ready to channel his energy into the new season, setting a clear objective of playing in all 162 games.
With every passing day, Freeman is not only rebuilding physical strength but also cultivating confidence in his health to ensure a meteoric return to form. The Dodgers’ first baseman, now more than ever, is aiming for continuity—a season free from interruption. While the journey has presented its fair share of obstacles, Freeman’s unwavering determination continues to underscore his commitment to the game, offering fans reassurance that the iconic slugger is poised to make a significant impact as the new season approaches.