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Freddie Freeman: Atlanta Braves’ All-Star Returns From DL

By Jonathan Savitske

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Freddie Freeman is back Atlanta Braves fans and our salvation cometh nigh.

After over a month on the Disabled List, Atlanta Braves All-Star First-baseman Freddie Freeman was activated earlier today in a move that corresponded with the finalization of the trade that sent third-baseman Juan Uribe and outfielder/infielder Kelly Johnson to the New York Mets.

-= Related: Julio Teheran: Are The Atlanta Braves Going to Move Him? =-

In Freddie Freeman’s absence, the Atlanta Braves managed to remain competitive in the NL East race, who are still only 6.5 games out of first place in the division behind the Washington Nationals. The primary reason for the Braves remaining afloat in the divisional race was the offensive contributions of both Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson.

Now that both players are in Flushing, New York, the fate of the Atlanta Braves season and the efficacy of their offense clearly rests on the shoulders (and on the wrist) of Freddie Freeman. He will carry the unenviable burden of being the only focal point in the Braves offense from now until the end of the season; unless John Hart decides to pursue the acquisition of another bat.

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Before his wrist injury sent him to the Disabled List for over a month, Freddie Freeman was hitting .299 with 12 home-runs and 41 runs batted in. He was also slugging an ungodly .520 with an on base percentage of .367.

With the trade of Kelly Johnson, it is even more imperative that Freddie Freeman stays healthy as the Atlanta Braves now lack infield (especially 1B) depth on their bench. In order to remedy their current depth deficiency, the Braves recalled infielders Daniel Castro and Adonis Garcia from AAA Gwinnett today.

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With the Atlanta Braves only 6.5 games out of first place on July 25th, there is still a sliver of hope that the team can pull off an improbable run to the playoffs now that Freddie Freeman has returned from the Disabled List. However unlikely it may seem after the trade of Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe, the Atlanta Braves still can pull off a divisional upset not seen since the year 1991.

Though Freddie Freeman is no longer on the Disabled List, he will not be in the Atlanta Braves starting lineup on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Chris Johnson will get the nod at first base, with Freeman most likely to receive a pinch hit appearance at some point in the evening.

Atlanta Braves ace and former St. Louis Cardinal Shelby Miller toes the rubber for the Bravos, while the Cardinals All-Star Carlos Martinez will counter Miller. First pitch is at 7:15PM. 

Next: Juan Uribe: Braves-Mets Trade Reactions

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