Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman reaches critical point in return timeline

Freddie Freeman has finally been engaged in running workouts

Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

If there’s a player who knows how to step up when it matters most, it’s – well, my Yankees bias wants to say Giancarlo Stanton – but in this case, as much as I hate to admit it, it’s Freddie Freeman. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star-studded lineup might not have a World Series ring without him.

Despite being an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, Freeman’s regular-season production has dipped. But when it counted most, he turned into one of the most explosive players on the field, particularly in the World Series against the New York Yankees. Over five games, Freeman accounted for five runs, four home runs, six hits, 12 RBIs, two walks, and just one strikeout – playing a massive role in securing the Dodgers’ championship.

This offseason, Freeman underwent surgery to repair an ankle injury that had nagged him for most of the year. His recovery has been slow, keeping him from participating in many drills and workouts. But on Friday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a significant update: Freeman has finally begun running workouts.

When will Freddie Freeman start playing?

The initial plan was for Freddie Freeman to be ready for the Dodgers’ season opener in the 2025 Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18. Now, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Freeman is ahead of schedule and could see some playing time next week in the Cactus League.

Freddie Freeman has started a running progression, Dave Roberts said. Plan is still for him to be in Cactus League action next week.

Roberts also said Shohei Ohtani will face live pitching — either off a Trajekt machine or a pitcher — for the first time today.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 21, 2025

The uncertainty around Freeman’s return lingered after his surgery, but Roberts never seemed worried. “I’m not worried about it,” he said earlier this week.

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Freeman, who missed games last season due to injury and a family emergency, has set an ambitious goal for 2025: playing all 162 games.

“The goal is 162,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s 161 because I always take the game off after we win the division. … I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m ready for 162.”

While he may not see much action early in camp, all signs now point to him being ready for Opening Day.

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Freddie Freeman

Los Angeles Dodgers

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.