Freeman likely to be ready for Tokyo Series after testing ankle

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Reigning World Series MVP Freddie Freeman tested his surgically repaired right ankle on the field for the first time this spring Thursday, and reports were positive.

¡°He ran yesterday, came into today feeling good,¡± Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday morning. ¡°I see next week as a good possibility to get him back into a game. I don¡¯t know when. Next week is broad, I understand that. He¡¯s trending in the right direction.¡±

Freeman has said he expects to be ready for Opening Day on March 18 in the Tokyo Series, and Roberts indicated that looks more and more likely.

¡°I think that is still going to happen,¡± Roberts said. ¡°I think that is what he has talked about, and I still think the progression lends itself to that. I think he is going to be fine for Opening Day.¡±

Freeman suffered a sprained right ankle on a play at first base Sept. 26, but it was hardly evident in the postseason. He homered in the first four World Series games and had 12 RBIs as the Dodgers beat the Yankees in five games.

He had debridement surgery in December to remove loose bodies in the ankle.

Freeman, expected to hit third behind Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts this season, made his fourth straight All-Star Game in 2024, when he slashed .282/.378/.476 with 22 homers and 89 RBIs.