Freddie Freeman backs Clayton Kershaw after awkward Braves return

Just a few weeks back, Freddie Freeman’s return to Atlanta rubbed Clayton Kershaw the wrong way. Now, all is well in Dodger Land.

Winning will do that.

With the All-Star Game being held in Los Angeles, Freeman did his part to campaign for Kershaw to (ideally) start the game. It helps that Brian Snitker, his former manager in the ATL, will be leading the NL All-Star team.

Does Freeman still have any swing?

“Hopefully he gets in there because he deserves it. He’s been a special pitcher for 14 years now and I’m just happy to be his teammate,” Freeman said.

In Freeman’s return to Atlanta, Kershaw appeared to feel slighted. Freeman missed his time with the Braves so much he lost focus on the task at hand, and his current home in LA.

“It was very cool (to see Freeman’s reception Friday night),” said Kershaw to Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He’s obviously been a big contributor for our team. And I hope we’re not second fiddle. It’s a pretty special team over here, too. I think whenever he gets comfortable over here, he’ll really enjoy it. It was a good night for him (Friday).”

Dodgers: Freddie Freeman backs Clayton Kershaw as All-Star starter

Freeman isn’t the only Dodger openly campaigning for this. Despite there being any number of more deserving players based on their 2022 statistics alone, for Kershaw, this would be a lifetime achievement award of sorts. Dave Roberts gave his pitch, as well.

“The game’s for the fans, and it’s just only fitting that Clayton would get that opportunity,” Roberts said. “I respect Brian (Snitker) but I’d be crazy not to think that Clayton should be named the starter.”

Exactly. The midsummer classic is for (all) the fans, though. In LA, it’s easy to get lost in the Dodgers bubble. Plenty of baseball fans exist outside of Los Angeles and would love to see their starter pitch the first inning.

What of Sandy Alcantara, for example?

Yet, Kershaw will likely get a chance to fulfill this wish. And it’s been earned. Freeman gets that more than anyone.