Mar 14, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Canada first baseman Freddie Freeman reacts after grounding out in the third inning against Colombia during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Baseball: World Baseball Classic-Canada vs Colombia
(New York, NY) — The news Los Angeles Dodgers fans dreaded: Freddie Freeman was pulled from Tuesday’s World Baseball Classic battle against Colombia in the fourth inning due to a hamstring issue.
Team Canada referred to it as a “lower body injury” and did not specify which hamstring was injured.
During his at-bat in the top of the third inning, Freeman took a swing at a fastball from Colombia starter Adrian Almeida and ran gingerly to first base. The 33-three-year old stayed in the game at first base for the bottom of that frame, but exited in the bottom of the fourth. There should be further updates on Freeman’s status tonight.
Canada has a date with Mexico tomorrow afternoon, which could end up becoming an elimination game. It would be the first time in WBC history that Canada has advanced beyond pool play.
The six-time All-Star has been remarkably durable during his big-league career. He’s appeared in at least 158 games the last four seasons, while playing in all 60 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. Freeman would eventually win the MVP award that year.
Opening Day for the Dodgers is in a little over two weeks, and the last thing the team needs is Freeman not being ready to go.
