Freddie Freeman's attempt at a relaxing shower turned into a slippery disaster, swelling his surgically-repaired ankle and sidelining him as Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts declared him day-to-day in recovery.

The mishap underscores how even the simplest of tasks can lead to complications for athletes, especially those like Freeman, who have previously battled injuries. With less than 100% health and a season batting average of .299, Freeman's shower slip may not just dampen his spirits but could also shake up the Dodgers' lineup, forcing utility player Kiké Hernández to step in at first base while Freeman recovers.

The incident took place in what one would assume is a wilfully unaggressive domestic environment: Freeman’s home. Entering the shower, a place often regarded as both sanctum and safe haven, the star first baseman encountered what can only be described as 'that moment when you realize tile isn't as forgiving as it looks.' The result? Swelling, and not the kind one usually associates with celebratory champagne after a win. Instead, this swelling harks back to Freeman's December 2024 surgery, which he underwent to remove loose bodies from his ankle. Loose bodies, as you can imagine, aren’t particularly charming companions on the field—or during a routine shower.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was quick to give a status update, noting that Freeman is 'day-to-day.' This is a familiar phrase in the world of sports; however, it’s particularly ominous when it comes to injuries sustained in the bathroom. While Roberts recognized Freeman's ankle wasn’t at 100%, he mentioned it was in a 'good spot for swinging the bat,' which must be a relief, at least, since coming back from the IL just to swing with a limp would complicate any home run celebration.

In a fit of mild irony, this incident follows the 2024 World Series, where Freeman, despite discomfort, only went on to become the World Series MVP. It seems any conversation about heroes must now include domestic misadventures. Perhaps this performance will prompt Freeman to consider wearing shower shoes in the future, although one hesitates to predict how that might affect his batting average.

Before his ankle took an ill-timed turn for the worse, Freeman had been batting a commendable .299 with two homers and four RBIs in a mere 20 games against the Braves. It’s safe to say that while he may have proven his prowess on the diamond, the dangers of home life were uncharted territory. What other domestic duties await our baseball stars? Vacuuming accidents? Lawn mowing injuries? One shudders at the possibilities.

Freeman's history with ankle issues—and the lingering cloud of 'what could have been' from the previous September’s injury—is perhaps weighing heavily on both his and the team's minds. Having missed games post-injury during the postseason last year, every move now becomes a high-stakes chess match against time. And although Freeman seems to be adept at playing through pain, one can only wonder what Kiké Hernández thinks about stepping into such a chaotic drama. In his absence, the utility player’s performance may not involve tackling slippery surfaces but will inevitably draw comparisons, both on the diamond and perhaps in the clubhouse shower.

Braves manager Brian Snitker chimed in on the situation, expressing his genuine concern for Freeman's health and offering unrequested advice that he takes time off to recover. It’s a delicate balance when even rivals begin to show they care. Who would have thought that shower accidents would turn into cross-town coaching conversations? 'It’s all about the player’s health,' Snitker would probably say, perhaps while simultaneously glancing at a shower mat in his own home.

As Freeman begins his recovery—presumably staying away from showers and potentially signing a lucrative endorsement deal for shower mats—one can only speculate how long the Dodgers will manage without their MVP. In the meantime, let’s take a moment to appreciate an unusual lesson learned: high-performance athleticism does not extend to the slippery floors of home bathrooms, and sometimes your greatest opponent is a tiled shower floor. On the bright side, you don’t have to worry about wearing a cup in the bathroom, or do you?