ATLANTA (AP) Freddie Freeman's slow-healing right wrist finally is pain-free, allowing the Braves first baseman to take swings on back-to-back days this week for the first time this offseason.
Freeman said at the Braves' FanFest on Saturday the wrist never fully recovered last season after he spent five weeks on the disabled list in June and July. He says a turning point came when he had an injection in the wrist on Dec. 20.
The health of Freeman is crucial for the rebuilding Braves, who have too few established bats in the middle of their lineup. He says he hit off the tee and hit underhand tosses without pain this week.
The Braves' commitment to youth continued this offseason as the team traded Gold Glove-winning shortstop Andrelton Simmons and right-hander Shelby Miller.
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