Dodgers Star Freeman Out After Ankle Injury \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman was placed on the 10-day injured list after a shower slip led to an ankle sprain. The star first baseman has played just three games this season, following an earlier rib injury. Despite Freeman’s absence, the Dodgers are undefeated with an 8-0 record.
Quick Looks
- Freeman sprained his previously injured right ankle at home
- Injury occurred during a shower slip on an off day
- The Dodgers placed him on the 10-day injured list
- Catcher Hunter Feduccia recalled to replace Freeman
- Freeman already missed the opening series due to rib pain
- No major ankle damage confirmed by X-ray
- Dodgers currently 8-0, starting road trip in Philadelphia
- Freeman joked with family about the “freak accident”
- Ankle was surgically repaired in December
- Freeman homered in four of five World Series games
Deep Look
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off a commanding start to the 2025 MLB season, were dealt an unexpected blow when star first baseman Freddie Freeman was placed on the 10-day injured list. The cause wasn’t a hard slide into second base or a diving play in the infield—it was a slip in the shower. The mishap, which occurred at his home on Sunday during the Dodgers’ off day, led to a sprain in Freeman’s surgically repaired right ankle and has sidelined one of baseball’s most consistent hitters.
Freeman, 35, described the injury as a “freak accident” and recounted how his family responded with humor more than concern—once they realized the injury wasn’t severe. His wife Chelsea quipped that this kind of slip is what she expected “at 70, not 35,” and his young son Brandon chimed in with a toddler’s trademark honesty: “Daddy, you got another boo-boo.”
But behind the family jokes lies a serious concern for both Freeman and the Dodgers. The ankle that he injured in the fall had already undergone offseason surgery. In December, he had a debridement procedure to clean out loose bodies and reduce pain caused by inflammation and debris in the joint—an effort aimed at ensuring long-term stability and performance. That same ankle was originally injured during a late September play at first base, and while Freeman played through it during the postseason, it limited his movement early on.
However, Freeman’s grit came through when it mattered most. He rose to the occasion in the 2024 World Series, where he homered in each of the first four games and knocked in 12 runs, ultimately earning MVP honors as the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games. That stretch of dominant hitting seemed to put any lingering ankle concerns to rest—until now.
The timing of this latest setback is particularly frustrating for both Freeman and the Dodgers. Already this season, he missed the opening series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs due to left rib discomfort. He returned briefly to play three games, during which he went 3-for-12 with two home runs. But the recent fall has now added another pause to his season, delaying his ability to establish rhythm at the plate and further complicating his start to the 2025 campaign.
For the Dodgers, Freeman’s absence is significant. His presence in the lineup not only provides power and consistency—he’s a career .300 hitter with over 1,800 RBIs—but also leadership, poise, and postseason experience. Since joining the Dodgers in 2022 after over a decade with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman has been a central figure in the clubhouse and one of the anchors of the offense.
Despite this early-season hurdle, the Dodgers have continued to roll. They’re off to an 8-0 start, looking every bit like championship contenders once again. With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, the team hasn’t missed a beat, even with Freeman watching from the sidelines. Manager Dave Roberts has praised the club’s depth and versatility, and those qualities are now being tested as they open a six-game road trip, starting in Philadelphia.
To fill the open roster spot, the Dodgers recalled catcher Hunter Feduccia from their Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City. While Feduccia doesn’t play Freeman’s position, his presence allows for more flexibility in lineup construction and defensive shifts. In the interim, players like Max Muncy and Miguel Vargas could see time at first base, depending on matchups and availability.
Though the injury is unfortunate, early signs point to a relatively short recovery. Freeman was driven to Dodger Stadium on Sunday for a three-hour treatment session and was able to drive himself home afterward, a sign that mobility and pain management are under control. X-rays taken after the accident showed no fractures or serious damage—an encouraging development for both Freeman and the training staff.
Still, the Dodgers are expected to proceed cautiously. With Freeman’s importance to their long-term goals and the season still young, there’s no need to rush his return. The team hopes rest, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment will allow the ankle to heal fully, ensuring Freeman can rejoin the lineup at 100 percent in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Freeman’s leadership is still felt in the dugout and clubhouse. Known for his steady demeanor and competitive drive, Freeman has earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Even while sidelined, he remains an active participant in team strategy discussions and mentoring younger players.
This injury, while unusual in origin, highlights the unpredictable nature of a long baseball season. It also serves as a reminder that even elite athletes can encounter setbacks in the most mundane of ways. But if Freeman’s track record is any indication, he’ll use this time to reset, rehab, and return as strong as ever.
As the Dodgers aim for back-to-back titles and their second championship in three years, having Freeman healthy and productive is key. With the team’s strong start providing a cushion, the focus now shifts to managing the situation carefully and ensuring their star first baseman is ready for the long haul.
Freeman’s story is far from over this season. But for now, the Dodgers—and fans around the league—will be watching closely for updates as one of baseball’s best heals from a stumble that no one saw coming.
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