Reigning World Series MVP Freddie Freeman tested his surgically repaired right ankle for the first time in spring training on Thursday with satisfactory results.

"He had a run yesterday and he felt good today," Dodgers head coach Dave Roberts said Friday morning, "and I think there's a chance he'll be back next week." The exact timing is uncertain, but next week is an approximate time frame. His recovery trend is positive. ”

Freeman has said he expects to be ready for the Tokyo opener on March 18, and Roberts has said it's increasingly likely.

"I think he's still able to make it to the opening game," Roberts said, "and that's what he's been talking about, and it's supported by his recovery progress." I think he'll be ready for the opening game. ”

Freeman sprained his right ankle during a first-base defense on Sept. 26 last year, but was barely affected in the playoffs. He hit a home run in each of his first four World Series games and contributed 12 points in a series of five Dodgers wins over the Yankees.

He underwent debridement surgery in December to remove loose bodies from his ankles.

Freeman is expected to be the third batter this season after Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. In 2024, he was named to the All-Star Game for the fourth time in a row, batting a 3-game of 0.282/0.378/0.476, hitting 22 home runs and contributing 89 RBIs.