As Freddie Freeman gets closer to a return from the disabled list, the Atlanta Braves are exploring the possibility of having their All-Star first baseman play third base.
MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported Tuesday that the Braves are trying to find ways to keep Freeman and Matt Adams in the lineup when Freeman comes back. Freeman will be cleared to hit on Friday and is hoping to return as a third baseman after the All-Star Break, Bowman reported Wednesday.
Freeman fractured his wrist after being hit by a pitch during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 17 that's expected to keep him out for at least 10 weeks. The 27-year-old was having an MVP-caliber season at the time of his injury with a .341/.461/.748 slash line in 37 games.
The Braves acquired Adams from the St. Louis Cardinals on May 20 to have a capable fill-in with Freeman on the DL. He's hit .306/.361/.658 with 10 home runs in 28 games as Atlanta's primary first baseman since the deal.
Bowman noted Freeman may need at least another month in his recovery from the wrist injury. Braves manager Brian Snitker said the team could also look to trade Adams, capitalizing on his current hot streak by adding a future asset.
Freeman has only played first base in his eight-year MLB career.
