Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman recently underwent surgery on his right ankle, which he injured at the end of the regular season and played through during the postseason, as announced by the team on Thursday.
The surgical procedure involved “debridement and the removal of loose bodies,” according to a statement from the Dodgers. Freeman is expected to be fully ready for baseball activities by the time spring training rolls around. However, his offseason training may be impacted as he recuperates from the surgery.
Earlier today, Dodger first baseman Freddie Freeman underwent surgery on his right ankle consisting of debridement and the removal of loose bodies. The surgery was performed by Dr. Kenneth Jung at Kerlan Jobe in Los Angeles. Freeman is expected to be able to participate in…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 5, 2024
Freeman, who is 35 years old, sustained the ankle injury while running out a ground ball and evading a tag during the Dodgers’ victory over the San Diego Padres on September 26. The Dodgers secured the National League West title with that win and went on to have the best record in MLB, ultimately winning the World Series.
The seasoned veteran missed the final three regular-season games of the Dodgers while receiving treatment for the ankle injury. Despite the discomfort, he returned to play in the NLDS opener against the Padres, where his performance was visibly affected by the ankle issue. Throughout the playoffs, Freeman was limited in his mobility but managed to participate in 13 out of the Dodgers’ 16 postseason games.
In addition to the sprain, Freeman was also contending with a bone bruise in his right ankle.
“They told me this is a four- to six-week [injured list] stint, and I’m going to try to do this in a week and play,” Freeman told the Los Angeles Times’ Mike Digiovanna before the postseason began. “I’m not going to be hindering, I don’t think. There are certain plays, like slowing down and stuff. … I’ve never sprained an ankle, and they say your first ankle sprain is the worst.”
Despite his injuries, including broken rib cartilage, Freeman displayed remarkable resilience by hitting four home runs and achieving a 1.364 OPS in the World Series, earning him the MVP title for the five-game series. He made history by becoming the first player to hit a home run in each of the first four games of a World Series and tied a record with 12 RBI in the five games.
Throughout the 2024 regular season, which marked his third year with the Dodgers, Freeman appeared in 147 games and boasted a batting average of .282 with an .854 OPS, 35 doubles, 22 home runs, and 89 RBI.