The Dodgers’ 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday was an emotional one, as Freddie Freeman returned to the lineup after a few days off due to family leave. Shohei Ohtani went yard in the game and later spoke about the win’s impact on the team and how it felt to have their first baseman back.
Freeman’s son Maximus had been sick since the All-Star break. He lost sensation and went into full-body paralysis a few days later. Maximus was on ventilator support when Freddie left the Dodgers camp to look after his family. After medical recovery in the last week, the 34-year-old was finally able to take to the plate.
The crowd was ecstatic and gave him a standing ovation during his first at-bat. After striking out in the first, Freeman hit a single in the third innings as Dodger Stadium chanted his name in unison. The atmosphere was electric. His teammate, Shohei Ohtani, who homered himself later in the eighth innings, described the surreal feeling of sharing the dugout with his batting mate.
“Most importantly we got the win with Freddie being back for the first time, that was really important for us,” Ohtani said through his interepreter Will Ireton. “As a teammate, as an observer, it was really touching to see that, I am sure the son has some rehab to do but definitely looking forward to him doing better”.
Shohei Ohtani on track for illustrious 40-40 club
Ohtani could make Dodgers history, as he is on track for just the sixth 40-40 club in the history of the MLB. He got a step closer to the mark with his 34th homer, a 384-foot bomb to center field in the eighth, and 32nd stolen base of the season.
The list of players who have the distinction includes Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano and recent addition Ronald Acuna Jr. As per projections, Ohtani can reach 44 stolen bases and 47 home runs at this pace. The Dodgers will be hoping for more fireworks from their superstar as the regular season climaxes.
