Dodgers give update on Freddie Freeman after son Max, 3, diagnosed with rare nerve disease

The Los Angeles Dodgers have given an update on first baseman Freddie Freeman as his three-year-old son continues to deal with health complications.

On Thursday, Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, shared that their son, Maximus, has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome after experiencing symptoms during the All-Star break.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed Freeman’s situation before facing the Oakland Athletics.

‘I didn’t even see that post, but I was texting with Freddie yesterday,’ Roberts said. ‘He says that they’re encouraged, so we’re just holding out hope and prayers.’ 

Freeman was placed on the family emergency list on Saturday and is not expected to rejoin the team for the series in Oakland, as both he and the team are prioritizing his time with family during this difficult situation. 

Three-year-old Max was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome

While Roberts shared that Freeman has remained active while away, he revealed there remains no timeline for his return.

‘I do know Freddie is moving around, taking swings, moving his body around,’ Roberts said. ‘But I don’t expect him to [play this weekend].’

In a previous Instagram story, Chelsea had shared that Max was brought to the hospital after suffering undisclosed issues sometime after the All-Star break and that Freddie met the family and spent the night in the emergency room after a game against the San Francisco Giants. 

They then provided a prolonged update on Thursday by collaboratively posting on their Instagram pages.  

‘Last Friday, Max rapidly declined and went into full body paralysis,’ they wrote. We are very fortunate to have gotten him to the hospital in time so they could reinforce his lungs.

‘Freddie was in Houston at the time and rushed to the first flight back home. After many tests, Max is battling a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A rare neurological condition that is especially rare in children.’ 

Freddie has been away from the team to be with his family during this difficult period  

Freddie and his wife shared that Max started experiencing symptoms around the All-Star break

Chelsea previously shared that Maximus was experiencing difficulty standing and walking 

The nerve condition typically starts in the lower half of the body can cause paralysis – as it did with Maximus. 

There are less than 20,000 cases in the United States every year and the condition can be cured with blood treatments.  

‘These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives. Maximus is such a special boy and he has been fighting SO hard,’ they added. ‘This is going to be a journey to recover, but we have faith that he will be completely healed. We have been blown away by his improvements in the last 48 hours.’ 

‘Maximus was excavated from his breathing tube and taken off of the ventilator yesterday, which is a huge win for us. We believe in the power of prayer and we have been witnessing a miracle in his recovery.’ 

‘Please continue to cover Maximus and our family in your prayers. We really appreciate and have felt all of your support.’