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Clayton Kershaw Breaks Silence on Freddie Freeman’s White House Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 9:38 AM ET

As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their strong push for a repeat World Series title, they paused their schedule for a moment of recognition in Washington. The Dodgers are already off to great start this season and the team was invited to the White House on Monday to be honored by President Donald Trump for their 2024 championship — a celebration that came with added attention due to past controversy.

Notably missing from the event, however, was one of the club’s most important players: Freddie Freeman. The absence of the World Series MVP sparked questions, and teammate Clayton Kershaw addressed it directly during the visit.

Kershaw Explains Freeman’s Absence

“Obviously, Freddie was going to be the one to speak and he didn’t make the trip,” Kershaw said, clarifying that Freeman was back in Los Angeles recovering from an ankle injury.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed the update, stating that Freeman’s absence wasn’t related to politics or personal objections. “It was really special, everyone was there outside of Freddie, who is back home nursing his ankle,” Roberts said.

Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, and Dave Roberts spoke pregame about their experience visiting the White House. pic.twitter.com/0hABKuIrUZ
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 7, 2025

Freeman has been sidelined since suffering the injury during the opening stretch of the season. While the incident sparked some concern, Roberts made it clear the team hopes to return to the White House again soon — this time with Freeman in attendance.

“I hope we get to do it again next year and go to the White House and celebrate a previous championship,” Roberts said.

With the Dodgers off to a hot start, another postseason run certainly isn’t off the table.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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