Freddie Freeman played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers just completing a 4-2 stretch, and was recognized by being named National League Player of the Week for September 5-11. Freeman is also celebrating his 33rd birthday on Monday.
It’s the third time this season Freeman has received NL Player of the Week honors. His first came for performances during June 20-26, and he again received the honor for July 11-17. Prior to the latest announcement, Mookie Betts was the most recent member of the Dodgers to be named Player of the Week (Aug. 22-28).
Freeman started all six games last week to extend his streak of being in the Dodgers lineup for every contest so far in 2022. He batted .546/.593/1.046 with two doubles, three home runs, eight RBI and four walks, and hit safely in every game during the period of recognition.
Along the way Freeman set a new career high in doubles at 45 and added onto his MLB lead for total hits with 180. Johnny Frederick (1929 Brooklyn) holds the Dodgers franchise record for most doubles with 53, and Shawn Green is the L.A. franchise leader with 49 two-baggers in 2003.
Freeman additionally is closing in on a new career high in hits, which currently is 191 he tallied in 2018 while with the Atlanta Braves.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette was named American League Player of the Week. Washington Nationals shortstop C.J. Abrams earned the Play of the Week Award for making a diving stop to his right and then throwing over to first base to take a hit away from Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm.
Freeman not focused on home runs
Freeman has gone long stretches without hitting a home run this season, but that isn’t of any concern for the 33-year-old.
“If the ball goes over the fence when I hit it, it does,” Freeman said last week. “I’m not really worried about it. If I start chasing homers, I’m going to start chasing everything. Just trying to be a good hitter and keep that going.”
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