Dodgers’ Freeman Injured in Shower Mishap, Day-to-Day Status Unclear

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman sat out Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves after aggravating his surgically repaired right ankle in a shower accident. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that the injury occurred at Freeman’s home on Saturday, resulting in swelling that kept him off the field.

“It’s unfortunate to see Freddie dealing with this,” Roberts said before the game. “He entered the shower and that’s where this mishap happened. We will evaluate him day-to-day as he recovers.” Freeman originally injured his right ankle in late September during a critical postseason series and missed part of the National League Championship Series due to the issue. Despite the injury, he managed to play in the World Series, contributing to the Dodgers’ title victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, which marked the franchise’s first championship since 2020.

He underwent surgery on the ankle in December, limiting his participation in spring training. Freeman returned to play in a series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19 but was hampered by a separate injury prior to that. Recently, though, he displayed his power by hitting two home runs in 12 at-bats over the weekend as the Dodgers swept the Braves.

With Freeman out of the lineup, utility player Enrique Hernández assumed first base duties on Monday. Hernández managed to contribute offensively, going 1 for 4 at the plate with a home run, marking his second of the season.

The Dodgers’ depth will be tested if Freeman remains sidelined for an extended period. As the season progresses, the team must navigate challenges while maintaining their competitive edge, especially with the Braves, whom they swept in the recent series. Both teams are expected to contend for wild-card spots as they battle through the remaining 158 games of the season.