LOS ANGELES — It will certainly have a strange vibe, no matter who you root for.
Freddie Freeman faces the Atlanta Braves in Los Angeles for the first time since leaving the World Series champions and signing a $162 million, six-year deal with the Dodgers last month.
Meanwhile, it will be a homecoming for new Atlanta closer Kenley Jansen, who pitched 12 seasons for the Dodgers before signing with the Braves last month.
A five-time All-Star in 12 seasons with Atlanta, Freeman said at his introductory news conference in LA that he expected to be a lifelong Brave and expressed frustration with Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos. The 2020 NL MVP is hitting .324 with four RBIs in nine games this season.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing all the guys,” Freeman said. “We’re champions forever together, so that’s the best part about all this.”
Freeman and the Dodgers don’t travel to Atlanta until June 24, when Freeman will be presented with his World Series ring.
The showdown is also a rematch of last year’s NL Championship Series.
Clayton Kershaw (1-0, 0.00) starts for Los Angeles after throwing seven perfect innings in his season debut.
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