Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman underwent surgery on the right ankle he injured at the end of the regular season and played through the entire postseason, the team announced Thursday.
The procedure included “debridement and removal of loose bodies,” the Dodgers’ statement said. Freeman is expected to be ready for baseball activities by spring training. But his offseason training could be affected as he recovers.
Earlier today, Dodger first baseman Freddie Freeman underwent surgery on his right ankle consisting of debridement and removal of loose bodies. The operation was performed by Dr. Kenneth Jung in Kerlan Jobe in Los Angeles. Freeman is expected to participate in…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 5, 2024
Freeman, 35, suffered the injury when he took a ground ball and tried to avoid a tag during the Dodgers’ Sept. 26 win over the San Diego Padres. Los Angeles clinched the National League West with the win and finished with the best record in MLB en route to winning the World Series.
The 15-year veteran missed the Dodgers’ final three regular-season games, sitting out and receiving ankle treatment. But he returned to play in the NLDS opener against the Padres, despite the ankle requiring hours of pregame treatment, batting practice and infield work while clearly affecting him on the field. Freeman played in 13 of the Dodgers’ 16 postseason games.
Despite the injury, Freeman – in addition to dealing with broken rib cartilage – hit four home runs with a 1.364 OPS in the World Series and was named MVP of the five-game set. He was the first player ever to hit a home run in each of the first four games of a World Series and tied a record with 12 RBI.
For the 2024 season, his third with the Dodgers, Freeman played in 147 games and batted .282 with an .854 OPS, 35 doubles, 22 home runs and 89 RBI.
