Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman experienced a frightening moment during Wednesday night's game against the Kansas City Royals when he fell down the Royals' dugout steps while pursuing a pop fly.
The incident occurred in the top of the eighth inning as Freeman appeared to lose his footing in foul territory while attempting to make the catch. He subsequently tumbled down the steps, prompting teammates, opposing players, and trainers to rush to his aid.
Freeman received a standing ovation as he walked back onto the field after the fall. He was later removed from the game, which the Dodgers ultimately won 4-2.
"I didn't hit my head, so that was the key part there," Freeman told reporters after the game. "I am sore. Kneecaps are sore. Shoulder is sore. Hand sore. Wrist sore. I mean, I fell. (But) I'm in good spirits."
He explained that he had lost track of the dugout railing while attempting to catch Isaac Collins' pop-up. "I went to lean, like I was going to lean against the rail to catch the ball — and obviously there was no rail," he said.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed relief that the injury did not appear more severe. "I think that we really dodged a bullet," Roberts said. "Very scary visually. For right now, he's in good spirits, which I think is a good sign. Just kind of total body soreness."
The Dodgers, who hold an 8.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West, are preparing for a significant four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the National League's top team.