KEVIN MCALPIN
NORTH PORT, FL – Twenty four hours after finding out Freddie Freeman was dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired elbow, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos eased the concerns among Braves fans Wednesday prior to the Braves game against the Orioles in Sarasota. “We consulted with Dr. Altchek today, not concerned at all” Anthopoulos said. “Just going to give him a little rest and should get him back in the lineup sometime next week” he added. As was expected, this type of soreness is common for players who are just a few months removed from surgery when activity levels are ramped up as they have been for Freeman and his teammates over the last few weeks of camp.

The ultimate competitor, Freeman tried his best to talk his way into the lineup as soon as possible, but the team will play it safe and not rush him back before they’re confident he’s 100%. As Freeman has said on a number of occasions, he typically needs about thirty to fourty at bats to be ready to start the season. Brian Snitker has joked over the years that Freeman usually gets hot in early March and gets bored for the final few weeks leading up to the regular season.

On Thursday morning, Freeman had a chance to give an update and said his concerns were eased as well to know that the Doctor who performed the surgery wasn’t worried either. “I am not concerned at all” Freeman said on Thursday. “Just a little hiccup” he added. Freeman will likely continue to undergo treatment and take it easy the next few days and looks forward to getting back on the field as early as Monday or Tuesday of next week.

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