Freddie Freeman’s positive COVID-19 test is a huge blow for Braves
By John Buhler
Freddie Freeman is one of four Atlanta Braves to test positive for COVID-19.
The Atlanta Braves will have to start the 2020 MLB season without Freddie Freeman.
Freeman has become the face of the franchise in the wake of Chipper Jones’ 2012 retirement. In 10 big league seasons, Freeman has made four All-Star games, won a Gold Glove, earned a Silver Slugger and has finished in the top-10 in NL MVP voting four times. Unfortunately, he was one of four Braves to test positive for the coronavirus heading into the 4th of July weekend.
#Braves' Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Touki Toussaint and Pete Kozma tested positive for COVID-19. Freeman has a fever, Brian Snitker said it's "going to be a while" before they get him in camp. Smith and Toussaint are asymptomatic. Kozma is on satellite roster, also has symptoms
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 4, 2020
BREAKING: #Braves manager Brian Snitker says Freddie Freeman is among four players who have tested positive for COVID-19. Freeman is "not feeling great. It'll be a while til we can get him back" Snit said.
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) July 4, 2020
Freeman, along with pitchers Will Smith, Touki Toussaint and infielder Pete Kozma tested positive for the virus. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Freeman is “not feeling great. It’ll be a while til we can get him back.”
Atlanta has won the NL East the last two years and is among the favorites to win the National League this year. Losing Freeman for any extended stretch is a devastating blow. However, if any team in the Senior Circuit is equipped to losing a star player, it just might be the Braves. Here’s how they can do it.
Who steps up with Freddie Freeman sidelined with the coronavirus?
Having Kozma, Smith and Toussaint sidelined with the virus isn’t going to help either, but Freeman is a top-four player on this team with serious World Series aspirations. Freeman has built a reputation for playing every day in Snitker’s lineup. He gives Atlanta a great glove at first base and hits right in the heart of the Braves’ batting order.
So look for second-year big leaguer Austin Riley and his power bat from the right side to start at first for the time being. Utility man Adeiny Hechavarria would spell Riley at first. Riley was a candidate to be the Braves’ designated hitter this year because he’s better known for his bat than his glove. Now we’re looking at Marcell Ozuna, Nick Markakis or Adam Duvall in this role.
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Johan Camargo will start at third base, as he may have been pushed for playing time at the hot corner, just to get Riley’s big bat in the lineup. Losing Freeman for the foreseeable future is terrible news for Braves Country, but it’s not like the title contender is devoid of talent. Look for Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson to have to carry more of the load offensively.
Freeman’s positive COVID-19 tests hurt the Braves’ chances to win the National League in 2020.