Freddie Freeman leaves Dodgers in Houston to join family as son battles illness

The Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman was scratched from the Dodgers’ lineup for the series opener against the Astros in Houston. He is returning home to be with his family as his son, Maximus, deals with health issues.

Freeman’s wife, Chelsea, posted on her Instagram Story Wednesday that Maximus was dealing with a health issue that kept them in the emergency room until 3:30 a.m. While Freeman was scheduled to play Friday and travel with the team to Houston, he is now heading home.

Chelsea revealed some details earlier this week about her son’s illness. In an Instagram story, she wrote: “Please say a prayer for Maximus. Doctor says he developed transient synovitis from the viral infection he had during All Star week. Day 3 not able to sit, stand or walk.”

Freddie Freeman leaves the Dodgers and returns to Los Angeles to be with his family.

As his wife, Chelsea, revealed on Instagram earlier this week, their son has transient synovitis and they spent time in the emergency room.

Prayers to the Freeman family.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) July 26, 2024

Chelsea added in a second message: “We ended up taking him to the ER last night. Freddie met me straight after the game. He stopped eating or drinking and was very lethargic… They ran a ton of tests and blood work which thankfully all came back negative. No infection or active virus. They kept him hydrated and gave him IV anti-inflammatories. They did x-rays and ultrasounds. Everything is consistent with transient synovitis. He still can’t bear the weight to stand or walk so we’ll be monitoring him closely.”

Chelsea said if he did not improve within 48 hours he would have to return to hospital.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said there was no timetable for how long Freeman would be away from the team.

Dodgers Nation wishes Freeman and his family the best.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports