The Daily Chop: Freddie Freeman update, Ian Anderson and more

Freddie Freeman returned to the lineup earlier this week and reported no issues with his elbow. The plan now according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Gabe Burns is for Freeman to play in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday and see three at-bats before exiting. Freeman told Burns that he is feeling back to normal which is good news for the Braves.

More Braves News

Speaking of Freeman, Cory McCartney tells the story of the time that Freeman worked out with a group before he was drafted that included former Oregon QB Dennis Dixon that included running a 60-yard dash. Freeman was the slowest of the group but was determined to close the gap and ran it six or seven times trying to post a better time. You can find more stories like that one in Cory’s updated book Tales from the Atlanta Braves Dugout which is available now.

Ian Anderson is Atlanta’s top pitching prospect and is making a lasting impression with his performance at big-league camp.

MLB Pipeline caught up with Braves catching prospect Shea Langeliers to talk about college, getting drafted and much more.

The Braves released episode 3 of “Behind the Braves” on YouTube Thursday night. This episode focuses on Ozzie Albies and his preparation for the upcoming season.

Good news for YouTube TV subscribers. YouTube TV and the Sinclair Broadcast Group reached an agreement that will keep 19 of 21 regional sports networks on the provider including Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast.

MLB News

The Chicago White Sox have reportedly locked up infielder Yan Moncada on a five-year, $70 million extension. The deal also reportedly contains an option for a sixth season that could bring the total value to $90 million. Moncada would have been arbitration eligible for the first time next offseason.

With injury concerns ongoing with ace Chris Sale, the Boston Red Sox signed free agent right-hander Collin McHugh on Thursday to a one-year, $600,000 deal. The deal reportedly includes performance bonuses that are tied to innings pitched that could bring the deal to $4.25 million. McHugh is coming off of an elbow injury and isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season.

The Los Angeles Angels reportedly fired a longtime visiting clubhouse manager after an internal investigation confirmed that he was providing ball-doctoring substances to opposing pitchers.