Freeman ready to put spring in step

Veteran first baseman says he's confident he'll hit better

- BY JACK VITA

THE DODGERS' Freddie Freeman performs his first Freddie dance of the spring after his two-run double against the Guardians on Tuesday afternoon.

(NORM HALL Getty Images)

For the first time since he grounded out to end the 11th inning in Game 7 of the World Series, Freddie Freeman stepped into the batter's box in the first inning Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians at Camelback Ranch. Freeman was met with cheers by the thousands of Dodgers fans in attendance.

After popping out to third in his first at-bat, Freeman laced a double to left-center to drive in two runs in the third inning before he was lifted from the Dodgers' 11-3 victory.

Freeman, who last season battled the lingering effects of a right ankle injury he suffered late in the 2024 season, said having a more typical offseason was crucial to regaining his fitness.

"It's been in a good spot since I started hitting this offseason," Freeman said of his swing.

ERIC THAYER Los Angeles Times FIRST BASEMAN Freddie Freeman has put the effects of right ankle surgery behind him as he begins 2026.

"Nice to be able to hit a ball to left-center already, that's a good sign.... I hadn't swung a bat till a day before FanFest last year. A normal offseason definitely helps."