Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman received one text from team trainer George Poulis on Saturday morning.
“Have you showered?”
Freeman exited Friday’s game in the fourth inning after he was bothered by a bone spur in his right elbow. Manager Brian Snitker and Freeman downplayed the spur following the game, suggesting Freeman would be good to go for Saturday’s matinee in Washington.
That was the case. To no one’s surprise, Freeman was hitting third in the Braves’ lineup and playing first base. Freeman, who’s had the spur since his childhood, said it’s just a matter of pain tolerance.
“It feels about the same as it did yesterday, but we’re good enough to go,” he said. “When I wash my hair in the shower, that’s when I have to bend my elbow like his (behind his head). It felt good today so I’m in there.”
And when Poulis asked Freeman if he’d showered, Freeman let him know he’s ready to play. The All-Star stressed that rest wouldn’t help the spur, since it can act up on any swing or movement. He anticipates playing even after the team officially clinches the National League East.
“I’ve had this thing for years,” Freeman said. “Pitching when I was a kid. Just throwing all the time, swinging all the time. Even if you were to get it removed, spurs come back. It’s just the nature of being a baseball player. If you MRI’d every single person in (the clubhouse), I’m sure you’ll find a lot of spurs. This one just decided to hurt a little bit.”
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