Freddie Freeman and Hyeseong Kim Shine with Spring Home Runs

Freddie Freeman is navigating a challenging reality this year, managing his surgically repaired right ankle through the first half of the season. While his instinct is to push himself to the limit as he typically does, Freeman must balance that drive with caution to protect his health. On Saturday afternoon at Camelback Ranch, however, he didn’t need to overtax his ankle. Facing the rival Giants, Freeman launched his first home run of the spring in the sixth inning, crushing a hanging slider in his third at-bat. The Dodgers secured a 6-5 victory in Freeman’s second Cactus League game, a positive step as he continues his rehab. Manager Dave Roberts praised Freeman’s performance, noting, “Freddie had a great day—two hard-hit balls and then the homer, which was really hit. He had a great day of work.”
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Meanwhile, offseason acquisition Hyeseong Kim joined Freeman in the home run column, notching his first Cactus League homer with an opposite-field shot to left in the fifth inning. Kim, who had a slow start to spring while tweaking his swing, showed signs of settling in. Freeman, who debuted on Thursday with a lined single in his first at-bat, is encouraged by his swing and timing despite limited action prior to camp. With the Dodgers set to face the Cubs in the Tokyo Series on March 18-19, Freeman aims to build up to 30 competitive at-bats during exhibition play. For both players, these early spring successes signal promising momentum as the regular season nears.