Braves Freeman to return much earlier than expected!
On May 17, 2017, left-handed Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Loup threw a fastball high and tight to Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman. Unfortunately, that pitch hit Freeman square in the left wrist.
X-rays at SunTrust Park following that HBP were inconclusive, but by the look of Freeman’s face, we knew this was going to be bad. Turns out it was extremely costly.
One day later, we learned that Freeman suffered a fractured left wrist.
“Obviously, this is quite disappointing,” Freeman said in the press conference on May 18. “Obviously it’s a tough blow. I’m going to do everything I can to get back as soon as I can.”
When Freddie said the words “I’m going to do everything I can to get back as soon as I can” we all thought okay, ‘those are just words and it’s all about the healing process now.’ But unbelievable, it’s looking like Freeman will return a lot quicker than anyone would have thought.
Prior to the injury, Freeman was hitting .341 and was tied for the major league lead with 14 home runs. He was having an MVP-type like season and was clearly on his way to his third All-Star game.
Could the Braves be getting this bat back into the lineup just seven weeks following the initial injury?
It’s looking possible as Freeman told reporters last night his plans for return!
Freeman’s foreseeable plan for return
Wednesday – Full day, BP and infield practice
Thursday – Full day, BP and infield practice (if everything goes well on Wednesday)
Friday – Fly back to Atlanta
Saturday – Be in the Gwinnett Braves lineup!
If all goes well, Freddie Freeman won't be with the @Braves in Oakland on Saturday - he'll be with the @GwinnettBraves in Charlotte. #MLB pic.twitter.com/gwcGk2S8BD
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 28, 2017
Well, that’s interesting and exciting all at the same time. Even Freddie couldn’t help but smile when he said it!
So looking ahead a little bit…Freeman won’t fly out west again so Oakland A’s fans, you won’t see Freddie Freeman this upcoming weekend. Freeman will be playing with the Gwinnett Braves in Charlotte starting (hopefully) on Saturday and will play there Sunday and Monday.
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Following the series in Charlotte, Gwinnett comes home to play Norfolk starting on Tuesday. The Atlanta Braves also play at home on Tuesday against the Houston Astros. This is the earliest possible date Freeman would return to the Braves lineup, but I don’t see it happening here.
I’m thinking the Braves front office keeps Freeman in Gwinnett for the Tuesday and Wednesday games. This is obviously unless Freeman is hitting the hell out of the baseball and they can’t help but move him up.
With this plan, Freeman would be ready to return on July 6th against the Washington Nationals (in Washington). This will be exactly seven weeks since the injury.
The other facet is Freeman’s glove. If you’ve been in a cave or just haven’t been paying attention, Freddie plans to play third base. He’s been practicing at third base with Terry Pendleton and Ron Washington prior to games.
Freeman’s move to third will keep hot-hitting first baseman Matt Adams in the Braves lineup.
If anyone can do this, Freddie Freeman is the guy.
He’s looked actually very well taking grounders at third from the videos we’ve seen. It’s going to be an entirely different ball game once it’s live.
Next: Braves beat Padres, The Whine Flowed
Saturday night, under the lights in Charlotte, will be our first taste of this…on another plus side, I’ve already got my tickets for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in Charlotte! So I’m definitely going to update firsthand on what I see!