KEVIN MCALPIN
NORTH PORT, FL – Braves fans hearts skipped a beat on Tuesday morning as the team scratched him from the starting lineup against the Twins at CoolToday Park. Freeman, who was in obvious pain last season dealing with bone spurs in his elbow, had surgery four days after the Braves were eliminated by St Louis to remove the spurs and remove a hook that had developed over the years. But anytime an injury, no matter how minor it is, happens to the Face of the Franchise, fans will understandably push the panic button.

“He’s doing more now on a consistent basis than he did prior” Braves manager Brian Snitker said on Tuesday morning. “I don’t know that it’s anything to be alarmed about. I’m glad it happened in February instead of the end of March” Snitker added. The overall consensus around camp is that it’s a very minor issue that with a few days rest will clear up and allow Freeman to return to the lineup by the end of the week. Fortunately, Freddie is the kind of guy that only needs 30 to 40 at bats during Grapefruit League games, and with Opening Day still over a month away, he’ll have ample opportunities to get more than enough at bats between now and then.

Speaking of injuries, Mike Soroka (groin) got through Monday’s live BP session feeling great and was moving around with no limitations on Tuesday as the pitchers took part in routine infield drills. He’s still on target to make his 2020 Grapefruit League debut later this week, likely on Friday or Saturday. As for the next few days, we’ll see Mike Foltynewicz today against the Twins, Sean Newcomb tomorrow in Sarasota against the Orioles and Felix Hernandez on Thursday back here in North Port make his second Spring start against St Louis.

Kevin McAlpin has covered the Braves since 2012 for @680TheFan and the @BravesRadioNet.