Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is now also dealing with a fresh injury issue after hurting his quad, prompting concern within the organization.
The veteran standout, known for his durability, appears to be walking a tightrope as the Dodgers enter the critical middle phase of the season, having only just returned from a period out with lingering ankle soreness.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the situation directly, saying Freeman is “dealing with a little quad thing.” The injury emerged in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s game when Freeman was covering first base.
Though he still started Wednesday’s game in San Diego, Roberts emphasized that the slugger is “managing it.”
Aging star’s durability tested
This marks yet another physical challenge for Freeman, who has been a paragon of reliability since joining the Dodgers. His ankle first required offseason surgery after a sprain late in the 2024 campaign and flared up again briefly this spring.
Now, this quad discomfort only complicates matters. Roberts noted that Freeman appeared “a little gingerly” while chasing a foul ball later in the game, suggesting the new issue could be lingering and warranting close monitoring.
Since April 11, Freeman has been in the lineup nearly every day, starting all but two games. That kind of consistency can take a physical toll-even on a veteran used to playing through pain. With the Dodgers relying on his bat and steady presence, any drop-off in performance due to injury could ripple through their offensive output.
Adding to the concern is Los Angeles’s already heavy use of the bullpen in tight games-another issue Roberts has tried to manage carefully. But if Freeman’s injury limits his mobility or performance, the team could find itself forced into an even more conservative approach on offense and defense.
Dodgers must find balance
Freeman’s experience and veteran presence make him a key pillar for the Dodgers. He’s coming off a 2024 season that included another World Series title, a walk-off grand slam, and a second career MVP-caliber effort. In 2025, he has already hit his 350th home run, was named NL Player of the Week in May, and remains a potent offensive force with a .378 on-base percentage.
Still, the combination of ankle and quad issues raises questions about how much he can handle physically. Roberts will need to make judgment calls as the calendar turns toward July and August. Rest and cautious use may help preserve his effectiveness, but could also require adjustments to the lineup or defensive alignment.
From a broader perspective, managing Freeman carefully reflects a growing trend across MLB – where teams seek to balance star performance with health preservation in long season, especially for high-profile players. In a tight NL West race and with the postseason in sight, keeping Freeman on the field-and swinging a hot bat-could determine the Dodgers’ success.
Freeman’s ability to manage this injury will be under close watch in the coming weeks. Dodgers fans and management alike hope that the veteran slugger can navigate this hurdle and remain a central contributor, but if not, the team must be prepared to adapt.
Will the quad settle with game-time treatment, or will the Dodgers need to consider rest or minor role adjustments? How they respond could define their second half and postseason push.
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