One moment. A ripple effect. In the high-stakes environment of Major League Baseball, players painstakingly train to face 100 mph fastballs and perform split-second defensive plays. It’s sometimes the ordinary events that surprise them. For Freddie Freeman, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dependable first baseman, a basic shower habit became an unanticipated obstacle. Another injury is piling up the tension in the bullpen.

Freddie Freeman’s path during the past year has been evidence of fortitude. In late September 2024, Freeman hurt his right ankle in a play at first base during a turning point as the Dodgers secured the National League West title over the San Diego Padres. Showing his usual tenacity, he played despite the injury and helped the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees in the World Series. He believed in home runs in the first four games and earned the World Series MVP title. His performance was incredible.

On March 31, 2025, the lineup lacked a recognizable name as the Dodgers prepared to take on the Atlanta Braves, a team previously called the Freeman. Manager Dave Roberts unexpectedly reported to the media, “Freddie Freeman had a ‘mishap’ entering the shower at home and tweaked the same surgically-repaired right ankle”. This episode put him in a daily status and made him absent from the game.

The offseason presented its difficulties. In December, Freeman had debridement surgery to fix residual problems with his right ankle, hoping to guarantee his preparedness for the next season. But the route to rehabilitation is rarely straightforward. Freeman freely admitted during spring training that his ankle wasn’t quite 100%, suggesting continued pain.

Though minor, the recent shower incident emphasizes how erratic athletic injuries are. Manager Dave Roberts observed the matter and noted that Freeman’s ankle had “swelled a little bit” after the accident. Though Freeman was eager to play, Roberts and the Dodgers’ medical staff decided on caution and sidelined him to stop more pain.

Freeman’s absence may not derail the Dodgers today, but every setback matters in a grueling 162-game season. Can L.A. weather this storm without their MVP?

Dodgers’ goals after Freddie Freeman setback

LA Dodgers shuffling the deck. The Dodgers’ offensive and defensive balance is thrown off without Freddie Freeman. Offensively, the success of the club depends much on his constant performance. With 22 home runs and 89 RBIs throughout 147 games in the 2024 season, Freeman kept a .282 batting average, highlighting his key part in driving in runs and offering consistency in the batting order. Defensively, as a seasoned first baseman, his dependability adds to the general performance of the infield.

Now that he is injured, the Dodgers might have to change their infield arrangement and perhaps relocate players like Max Muncy or Enrique Hernandez to first base. These guys are flexible, but the change could affect offensive output and defensive cohesiveness. Given the competitive character of the National League West, maintaining lineup stability is essential for the Dodgers’ goals of ruling the division and guaranteeing a postseason place.

Freddie Freeman’s absence influences the lineup alterations. Roberts is going to have experiments. Ohtani and Betts still have to improve. Bench depth starts to become quite important. The keys to offensive momentum are early corrections. The Dodgers’ adaptation will challenge their management and roster.

Freddie Freeman’s recovery and the Dodgers’ approach to managing his playing time will be key throughout the season. Given his propensity to push through ailments, the team’s medical staff may recommend a more cautious approach to safeguard his long-term health and availability for critical matchups. While the Dodgers pursue another championship, Freeman’s setback may be temporary in a remarkable career. The baseball world anxiously awaits the return of a powerful hitter.