Los Angeles Dodgers’ cornerstone Freddie Freeman faces an unexpected hurdle just days into the MLB season—a shower slip that has sidelined the 2024 World Series MVP and thrown his campaign into uncertainty. The first baseman, already nursing a surgically repaired right ankle, aggravated the injury in a freak off-field mishap, forcing him out of Monday’s marquee clash against his former team, the Atlanta Braves.
While the Dodgers sprint to a flawless 5-0 start, Freeman’s absence looms large. But how severe is the damage, and could this derail his quest for back-to-back titles? Here’s the latest.
Freddie Freeman’s gnarly setback
The incident occurred at Freeman’s home over the weekend, with manager Dave Roberts revealing the star “slipped getting into the shower,” causing swelling in his right ankle. Though Freeman lobbied to play through discomfort—a trademark of his gritty reputation—the Dodgers opted for caution.
“He feels he can play, but let’s let him recover today,” Roberts said, acknowledging Freeman’s frustration.
This isn’t the first time the ankle has haunted Freddie Freeman. He initially injured it last September, gutting through postseason pain before exploding in the World Series with four homers and 12 RBIs. December surgery to remove loose bodies seemed to resolve the issue, but this latest stumble reignites concerns.
Stats vs. uncertainty
Freeman’s early-season form (3-for-12, two HRs, four RBIs) hinted at another dominant year, but his health remains a wild card. The Dodgers’ depth is being tested, especially against the Braves—a team Freddie Freeman torments (.299 average, .939 OPS in 20 games).
Atlanta manager Brian Snitker, Freeman’s longtime mentor, joked about the timing: “If he has any problems, I hope he takes three days off. We want him ready for the long season.”
The road ahead
For now, the Dodgers are prioritizing Freeman’s long-term availability over short-term gains. With a loaded roster, they can afford patience, but another setback could disrupt chemistry and title aspirations. As Freeman undergoes treatment, fans hold their breath: Will this bizarre blip become a footnote or a turning point?
Freddie Freeman’s resilience is legendary, but even ironmen aren’t immune to bad luck. Whether this shower slip stalls his season or fuels another comeback story, one truth endures: Baseball’s twists are as unpredictable as a wet bathroom floor.