Atlanta Braves first baseman was scratched from his team’s lineup in a Tuesday exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins after suffering right elbow discomfort.
Freeman struggled with bone spurs in the elbow last season, eventually undergoing surgery to remedy the problem after the conclusion of the postseason. The October 18th surgery removed three fragmented loose bodies as well as multiple bone spur formations from his right elbow joint.
Despite reporting to Spring Training “feeling 100%,” Freeman now appears to have suffered a setback in his battle against elbow problems.
Braves manager Brian Snitker tried to downplay the news, saying, “The doctor said it’s not an uncommon thing.(…) We’re glad it’s now rather than later.”
Freeman, a four-time All Star who batted .295/.389/.549 with 38 home runs and 121 RBI for the NL East Champions last season, is expected to sit out at least a few days to attempt to reduce the inflammation and discomfort in his troublesome elbow.
The Braves hope that their star first baseman will make a quick recovery and be ready to go for the start of the season. He is expected to be the #3 hitter in the Braves’ lineup, one of the most fearsome in the league.
In the meantime, Yonder Alonso is expected to fill in for the 30-year-old in the Spring Training lineups until Freeman is ready to go again.
