Freddie Freeman returned from the Disabled List in yesterday’s double header against the Colorado Rockies. He went 1-6 on the day with 3 walks and 2 runs scored. Although he only had one single, his 3 walks bode well for his return.
Apr 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hugs third baseman
Chris Johnsonafter the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Braves defeated the Rockies 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Freeman spent the weekend with the Gwinnett Braves, where he went 5-10 at the plate. He returns at a pivotal point in the Braves start to the 2013 season. After a 3 game losing streak against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Braves have been struggling to score runs and Freeman proved he is healed and ready to help the team bounce back.
The Braves won both games against the Rockies yesterday with scores of 4-3 and 10-2. The team showed signs of good hitting yesterday with 23 hits in two games. Eight of the 14 runs collectively scored were scored off of 6 homeruns, 3 in each game. It seems as though the curse of either striking out or hitting a home run might be slipping away.
The double header was also a good look for Braves fans at both players involved the Justin Upton/Chris Johnson trade. Johnson secured the role of starting third baseman and made his first official start as the full time third baseman yesterday. Johnson, who is leading the team in batting average with a .397, has proven himself as a huge asset to the team. Upton hit a home run in each game, bringing his season total up to a league-leading 11 home runs in 20 games.
Freeman’s return means great things for the Braves, as he is batting .348 this season through 23 plate appearances. If the team keeps up this fantastic start and are able to produce more hits and less strikeouts, they are surely bound for a magnificent season.