Freddie Freeman thinks he’s fully over the Braves, but we’ll see

Freddie Freeman is returning to Atlanta for the second time on Monday night but this time he doesn’t think it’s going to affect him that much.

The last time Freddie Freeman made his return to Truist Park, it was such an emotional experience it actually appeared to cause strife in the Dodgers clubhouse.

A year later, Freeman is set for another return but he’s not expecting the same kind of emotional outpouring, at least on a personal level.

This time around, Freeman says the trip feels “a little bit different,” per SportsNet LA.

"“I am looking forward to it, I had so many special times there. Obviously, being a World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, I have so many special memories. I can’t wait to see some of my old friends again. I am looking forward to it, probably not going to be as many tears this time around, but I am looking forward to it but it’ll be a little bit different this time.”"

Freddie Freeman wants to believe he’s fully over the Braves

At least Freeman acknowledged there won’t be “as many tears” instead of trying to act like there will be none. He’s likely to get an ovation from the Braves faithful and it’s hard to believe the strong feelings he experienced last year aren’t still there in some capacity.

So yeah, the Dodgers may have to go through it again with Freeman. On the plus side, all the hubbub did little to knock the first baseman off his game.

He had a strong string of outings in his 2022 return. In the first game of the series he drew two walks and went 1-of-3 with two runs scored. The following day he went 2-of-4 with a walk. He capped the trip with a 1-of-6 night including an RBI and a run. The Dodgers were 2-1 in Atlanta.

So in some sense, LA doesn’t want it to be that much different for Freeman. The Braves could use that shift.