Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman is taking some time to prioritize his family.
The team granted him leave on Friday, allowing the first baseman to return to Southern California to be with his three-year-old son, who is facing a health challenge. While the Dodgers opened a three-game series against the Astros in Houston, Freeman was removed from Friday night’s lineup.
Freddie’s wife, Chelsea, shared details about their son Maximus’ health issues. In a social media post, she disclosed that the three-year-old has been diagnosed with transient synovitis.
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Freddie Freeman, #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, runs around the bases after his home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The temporary condition can lead to hip inflammation and primarily affects young boys, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can make basic movements like sitting, standing, or walking difficult. Chelsea mentioned that Maximus had not eaten for several days.
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Chelsea elaborated that Maximus had a viral infection earlier this month while the family was in Texas for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
The Freeman family received some encouraging news when Maximus was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday; however, they were aware that he might need to be readmitted. “[I]f he doesn’t improve in 48 hours, he needs to go back to the hospital,” Chelsea wrote.
Freddie Freeman, #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, doubled in the fourth inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
“I can tell that something compelled him to go home. … He is trying to be present for the team while also supporting his family. But it’s incredibly challenging to be focused when your child is unwell, and understandably so,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked.
“He has definitely carried a heavy heart the past few days, and I just hope Max makes a full recovery,” he added.
National League All-Star Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks off the field after grounding out against the American League All-Stars during the third inning of an MLB All-Star baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
Roberts mentioned that the team is still evaluating whether to place the eight-time All-Star on the active roster or move him to the family leave list. If Freeman is shifted to the family leave list, he would be required to miss at least three games.
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This season, Freeman, who won the National League MVP award in 2020, has recorded 16 home runs and 67 RBIs over 104 games. Cavan Biggio filled in for Freeman at first base on Friday.
The Dodgers began Saturday with a 62-43 record, leading the second-place San Diego Padres by 6.5 games in the NL West division.
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