Freddie Freeman Makes Emotional Return to Dodgers After Son's Medical Scare

Freddie Freeman received a standing ovation and shared an emotional moment with Bryce Harper upon his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup following his son Max's hospitalization for Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Freddie Freeman made an emotional return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Monday night after missing nearly two weeks to be with his family following his son Max's medical scare.

Last week, Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, revealed that Max, 3, had been diagnosed with a "severe case" of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes the immune system to attack the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Freddie Freeman Makes Emotional Return to Dodgers After Son's Medical Scare

The couple said Max had "full body paralysis" and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) for eight days.

"The hardest and scariest days of our lives," the Freemans wrote on Instagram after Max was discharged from the hospital. "Maximus is such a special boy and he has been fighting SO hard. This is going to be a journey to recover, but we have faith that he will be completely healed."

Freddie Freeman Makes Emotional Return to Dodgers After Son's Medical Scare

Freeman missed four games with the Dodgers while his son was hospitalized, but he returned to the lineup on Monday night and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Dodger Stadium before his first at-bat.

The Dodgers also showed their support by wearing Dodger blue shirts that said "#MaxStrong." Freeman received one of the shirts and wore it under his jersey.

Freddie Freeman Makes Emotional Return to Dodgers After Son's Medical Scare

Freeman went 1-for-4 with a single in his return game, but the hit was overshadowed by the emotional outpouring of support from his teammates and the fans. After Freeman got his hit, he and Bryce Harper shared a hug at first base.

"It was a special moment," Freeman said after the game. "I'm just so grateful to be back with my team and to have my family by my side."

Freeman is in his third season with the Dodgers after spending his first 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, with whom he won the World Series in 2021. He signed a six-year deal with Los Angeles and is hitting .287 with an .884 OPS this season.

Freeman is a key part of the Dodgers' lineup, and his return is a boost to the team as they compete for a World Series title. But more importantly, Freeman is back with his family, and Max is on the road to recovery.

"We are so thankful to have our family back together," the Freemans wrote on Instagram. "Thank you God for this miracle."