ATLANTA– Freddie Freeman does not understand if he has time to be all set for the Atlanta Braves opener.
Following a scary experience with COVID-19, Freeman is grateful to even have a possibility.
On Saturday, the four-time All-Star exposed he had a heat of 104.5 degrees while sick with the illness and hoped for his life.
” I stated a little prayer that night,” Freeman said in a video conference call. … I stated Please do not take me due to the fact that I wasnt all set.”
2 RelatedFreeman said the fever was down to 101 the following morning and broke 2 days later. He said Saturday was his ninth successive day without signs, which also included body aches, chills and a short-lived loss of his senses of taste and smell. He said two other members of his household, his other half and auntie, are recuperating after favorable tests.
” I feel excellent,” he stated. “I only lost one pound. … I didnt lose any strength.”
Freeman reported to Truist Park for a workout on Friday only about an hour after receiving his 2nd negative test for the coronavirus, which earned him medical clearance to play.
The Braves prepare to offer Freeman as numerous at-bats as possible prior to the season. He had a run-scoring triple over the head of right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. in Saturday nights intrasquad game and likewise caught a nasty popup over his shoulder.
Freemans gratitude of being back with the group was obvious. The Braves published video on the groups Twitter account of Freeman, bring his bat and glove, stating “This is terrific” as he went out of the dugout and looked out at the field on Friday.
” I feel like Im a kid in a candy store once again,” he stated Saturday. “You forget often how much you love this game.
The Braves are delighted Freeman is back.
” Obviously when you get your finest gamer back its a favorable thing and an advantage,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Im thrilled for him and us, too.”
Freeman set profession highs with 38 crowning achievement and 121 RBIs last season to assist Atlanta win its second straight NL East title. He placed fourth in the MVP voting in 2018.
Freemans return was well timed. Free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig evaluated favorable for the coronavirus after consenting to sign with Atlanta. The favorable test voided the deal.
Puig was forecasted to be a replacement for Nick Markakis, who pulled out of the season after talking on the telephone with Freeman.
” Unfortunately that was my worst day,” Freeman stated, adding he didnt attempt to influence the decision by Markakis when the two spoke once again days later.
” He simply wasnt into it, and I completely, absolutely get it,” Freeman stated.
Snitker prepares to provide Freeman as lots of at-bats as possible in intrasquad games and exhibit video games versus Miami prepared for Tuesday and Wednesday.
” I said a little prayer that night,” Freeman stated in a video conference call. He stated Saturday was his ninth successive day without signs, which likewise included body pains, chills and a short-term loss of his senses of taste and smell. He stated two other members of his home, his spouse and auntie, are recuperating after favorable tests.
Freemans return was well timed. Freeman was one of four colleagues to test positive at the start of summer camp.
Asked what hes aiming to see from Freeman, Snitker said, “I dont think I have to search for anything. If hes out there hes going to be all set.”
Freeman stated his legs ached on Saturday after his workout on Friday. The Braves open the season next Friday at the New York Mets.
Freeman was among four teammates to check favorable at the start of summer camp. Right-hander Touki Toussaint, who had no signs, likewise returned Friday. Left-handed reliever Will Smith and infielder Pete Kozma have not returned.
Freeman used a face mask throughout a video interview and stated hell continue to take safety measures.
” Its really severe,” he said, adding that his household “did everything right” to avoid the illness. “It still somehow got to me.”
