Freddie Freeman is demonstrating remarkable resilience as he continues to play through challenges with his surgically-repaired right ankle. Although he admits he is not at 100%, he feels good enough to make a significant impact on the field, consistently delivering strong performances.
The 35-year-old first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been a crucial player during the team’s recent 10-game, three-city trip, showcasing his skills with a notable 14-game hitting streak. Even when that streak ended, Freeman displayed his power by recording a four-hit game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which included two doubles and a home run that landed in the Chase Field pool.
Freeman’s manager, Dave Roberts, has been impressed by Freeman’s .376 batting average and an OPS of 1.171 as the Dodgers prepare for a home series against the Oakland Athletics. Roberts noted he was surprised to see Freeman hitting at such an elite level, indicating that Freeman has been relentless in his pursuit of excellence, to the point where he is exceeding expectations.
The past season was particularly taxing for Freeman, who dealt with injuries and a dip in performance. After a frustrating previous season where he felt unable to connect with pitches consistently, this year has seen a resurgence in his batting. Despite struggling in the early part of the season, Freeman found his rhythm against top pitchers, which has led to a remarkable hitting performance since mid-April.
Freeman attributes his turnaround to a blend of mental clarity and a return to solid hitting fundamentals. Since April 25, he has transformed his at-bats, recording 27 hits in 57 at-bats for a batting average of .474 and a staggering OPS of 1.382. He emphasizes that routine and consistency remain key elements of his success, stating that the results are starting to speak for themselves.
To manage his ankle, Freeman undergoes extensive treatment, including a combination of hot and cold therapy, and continues to adapt his playing style to accommodate the injury. While he asserts he does not know if he will ever feel 100% again, he remains hopeful that after more recovery time, possibly around the All-Star break, he may require less treatment.
Freeman’s journey emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the mental aspect of the game. As he continues to defy the odds with his performance, the Dodgers remain optimistic about his contributions, proving that hard work and determination can lead to incredible results even amid adversity.