Freddie Freeman admitted Tuesday that facing Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez presents a unique set of challenges for the Atlanta Braves first baseman.
What happened?
On July 13, Freeman stepped into the box against Sanchez during a tight divisional showdown at Truist Park. The lefty’s sinker-slider combination kept Freeman guessing all night, contributing to a frustrating 3-for-5 outing with two strikeouts. Freeman grounded out twice, including a sharp comebacker to the mound in the fifth that forced a double play.
Why it matters for Freddie Freeman
Freeman, 32, is chasing his third straight .300-plus batting average this season. But left-handed pitching has been a persistent hurdle—he’s hitting just .245 against southpaws in 2026. His 1.02 OPS against righties ranks among the league’s best, yet lefties like Sanchez have neutralized him in key moments. After the game, Freeman pointed to Sanchez’s ability to tunnel his pitches late as the biggest adjustment he’s still working on.
What comes next?
The Braves head to Philadelphia for a three-game set starting Friday. Freeman will see Sanchez at least twice more, and the matchup could swing momentum in the NL East race. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Freeman’s approach will hinge on staying patient against the slider that’s induced 38 whiffs this year. Freeman added that he’s “not overthinking it,” but the numbers suggest he’ll need to refine his timing against left-handed heat.
Freeman’s next at-bat against Sanchez comes Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET, with the Braves trailing the Phillies by two games in the division.