Braves Star Freddie Freeman Certainly Shouldn't Have Been Playing After Revealing Elbow Injury Details

The Atlanta Braves were once again bounced from the postseason in disappointing fashion when they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS after dropping Game 5 at home.

A big reason for their struggles in that series was the disappearance of star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was a liability both at the plate and in the field. Fans understood why at the end of the season, as it was announced Freeman needed elbow surgery, but now that the details from his surgery have been revealed, it's all even more clear.

#Braves Freddie Freeman said he had two bone spurs and three loose fragments removed in elbow surgery. Second spur was only discovered in surgery. Doctor said it was about to break off completely. It wasn't even visible in MRI. Surgeon said Freeman had no room in his elbow joint.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) January 25, 2020

How was he even able to play? Dr. David Altchek had the same question. The man sounded shocked after finishing the procedure on Freeman.

When Dr. David Altchek exited the October elbow surgery and said, “I don’t know how you were playing,” Freeman responded, “Well doc, I wasn’t playing very well.”
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) January 25, 2020

One could say Freeman should've taken one for the team and sat out, but do we really think that would've solved all the Braves' woes? After all, they did give up 10 runs in the top of the first inning of that Game 5.

While it's certainly tough to swallow considering how ill-timed this injury was for Freeman, the Braves are locked and loaded for 2020 after making roster upgrades and spending the offseason getting healthy.