KEVIN MCALPIN
680 THE FAN, ATLANTA – While Friday was a day off for the Braves, there was still some activity at Truist Park. After missing two weeks following testing positive for COVID-19, Freddie Freeman and Touki Toussaint given the green light to
return to the field for the first time since Spring Training ended four months ago. “This is fabulous” Freeman said on a video posted to the Braves social media accounts, showing him walk out up the dugout steps and take the field with a big smile on his face. Freeman is not typically a guy that needs a ton of at bats to get ready for a season, so you’d assume he’ll try and get a handful in each of the next few days of intrasquad scrimmages starting tomorrow night, along with a few in each of the exhibitions against Miami on Tuesday and Wednesday.
As we’ve seen in years past, it’s hard to keep Freddie out of the lineup, no matter how he feels. At this point, I’d be shocked if we DIDN’T see him start next Friday afternoon against Jacob deGrom and the Mets for the 2020 lid lifter.
When it comes to Touki Toussaint, he will look to build upon a strong showing during his month in North Port. Adjustments to his delivery had him looking like the guy the Braves hoped he would be over the last two seasons. As far as a potential role, Toussaint could potentially help from the bullpen or even serve as an “opener”, something the club has discussed implementing this season.
Kevin McAlpin has covered the Braves since 2012 for @680TheFan and the @BravesRadioNet.
