Dodgers Don’t Want Freddie Freeman Stealing Bases

Freddie Freeman returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup last week after missing nine games due to a right ankle sprain that stemmed from accidentally slipping in the shower.

The 35-year-old reached base four times in the Dodgers’ 6-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, but was thrown out while trying to steal second base in the fourth inning.

“I didn’t like that,” manager Dave Roberts said after the game.

“He’s competitive and thought he had a chance to steal a base, give us a four-run lead. But I just think right now we’ve got to make sure we manage his workload and health. I just want to make sure we try to keep him as healthy as possible, so I don’t think we’ll be seeing him steal many bases in the near future.”

Given Freeman’s importance to the team and the fact that the Dodgers had a three-run lead at the time, Roberts would have preferred the eight-time All-Star play it safe and not risk re-injuring his ankle.

However, Freeman noted last week that he feels good enough to run on the bases without hesitation. “I’ve been running the bases the last few days, and I have no reservations about hitting base. I’m not worrying about hitting it and rolling it,” Freeman explained.

“I feel as free as I possibly can be right now. Way better than I have the last couple weeks. I have no reservations going into this game. I feel like I could steal a base.

“That’s really how I feel. If there’s times on my side, I’ll be able to go now. I feel really good about where my ankle is.”

Freddie Freeman open to more rest

Freeman has a well-known drive to play in every game, but spending time on the injured list afforded him a new perspective.

“It actually was very valuable,” he said upon returning from the IL last week. “I’ve admitted it over this week to the Dodgers that I’m very thankful. I feel the best I’ve felt since I got hurt. So this was huge.

“I had an MRI and it just showed fraying of my scar tissue, so it was almost like a freeing thing. By Sunday, I felt like I could go, so I started doing live BPs on Monday and Wednesday, did Trajekt [Thursday]. I feel really good. Hate to say it, but I might’ve needed the 10 days.”