Freddie Freeman’s season with the Dodgers has been a study in perseverance. A .303 batting average on the year belies a rollercoaster ride that began with a scorching late-May surge and cooled sharply through June and July.
Freeman carried NL-leading form into June, posting a .374 average after May 31. But the bottom fell out in June, when his average dropped to .200, followed by a .226 mark for June and July combined. His power also dwindled during that stretch, as he hit only two homers between May 12 and July 31 after launching nine earlier in the season. The dip in production lined up with a rough stretch for the Dodgers, particularly in July, though Freeman has rebounded in August and remains a central figure in the lineup.
Even with the midseason skid, Freeman’s season isn’t slipping from his grasp. His year-to-date average still sits behind Will Smith on the Dodgers, who is atop the team in the pursuit of a batting title. Freeman, reflecting on the chase, said it’s a sign of a good year to be mentioned in the batting-title discussion at the end of August, noting, “That makes me smile because it means I grinded through it and even when I didn’t feel good I was still able to be on the field and maybe throw some hits out there.”
On the field, the Dodgers started the season strong against Colorado, taking six straight wins against the Rockies before settling for a four-game split at Coors Field. Looking ahead, the team will face the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in what should be a telling series.
Clayton Kershaw reminded fans that wins aren’t guaranteed in any ballpark, saying, “You can’t take anything for granted in Colorado, obviously. But at the end of the day, we’re one up going in [to San Diego]. So we feel good about it.” Manager Dave Roberts added that the Padres will bring energy in the final regular-season meetings between the teams, and that Los Angeles must be ready for a tough challenge after matches where they’ve shown they can compete.
Why this matters now: Freeman’s ability to navigate a midseason slump while staying productive offensively could be crucial as the Dodgers push for a strong finish. If he can sustain August’s improved form and regain some of his early-season power, he’ll not only help the club climb the standings but also keep the batting-title conversation lively as September approaches.
Additional context and takeaways:
– Freeman’s resilience in August is a positive sign that his peak form remains within reach, which could energize the Dodgers’ lineup as they head into a pivotal series against a divisional rival.
– The Padres series will be a real test of the Dodgers’ readiness and depth, especially with Freeman continuing to contribute in key spots and the pitching staff looking to turn recent momentum into a consistent run.
– Keep an eye on Will Smith’s pursuit of the batting title, as Freeman’s performance could influence late-season rotations and lineup decisions as the Dodgers aim to finish strong.
Overall assessment: Freeman has weathered a challenging stretch and remains a central figure for a Dodgers club aiming to close the gap with strong late-season runs. The coming series against San Diego will help reveal whether August is the start of a sustained rebound or a momentary uptick. Positive momentum appears possible, anchored by Freeman’s continued presence and leadership at the plate.