ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 26: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a ball foul during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 26, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman appears to have avoided a serious injury after a frightening fall into the Kansas City Royals’ dugout Wednesday night.
The incident occurred during the eighth inning of the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over Kansas City at Dodger Stadium. Freeman was chasing a foul popup off the bat of Royals infielder Isaac Collins when he tumbled down the dugout stairs while attempting to make the catch.
The veteran first baseman remained down briefly as trainers from both teams rushed to check on him. Freeman eventually returned to the field and finished the defensive inning, but he was replaced by a pinch-hitter in his next at-bat and did not return to first base.
The encouraging news for Los Angeles is that Freeman does not appear to have suffered a major injury.
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Freeman is listed as day-to-day with total-body soreness. He reported soreness in several areas, including his knees, shoulder, hand and wrist, but remained in good spirits following the incident.
Freeman also emphasized how fortunate he was to avoid a potentially much more serious outcome. He did not hit his head during the fall, which proved to be a crucial factor in limiting the severity of the incident.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club was fortunate Freeman escaped without a more significant injury. His availability for the team’s next game will depend on how his body responds.
The Dodgers now turn their attention to an important four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, with Freeman’s status one of the team’s biggest storylines.
Freeman was uncertain about whether he would be able to play in the series opener.
The timing is significant for Los Angeles. Freeman has been productive at the plate recently, batting .417 over his previous 19 games entering Wednesday’s contest, according to Reuters.
The Dodgers ultimately completed a three-game sweep of the Royals, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a two-run homer in the 4-2 victory.
For now, Dodgers fans have reason to breathe easier. What initially looked like a potentially devastating injury instead appears to be a painful scare, with Freeman considered day-to-day as Los Angeles prepares for its next major test.
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