"I thought I had blown my oblique out" - Freddie Freeman on how rib injury scare threatened his journey in Dodgers' World Series win 

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman featured on popular talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Tuesday. The 35-year-old talked about numerous aspects of his recent World Series win with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Heading into the playoffs, a key issue the Dodgers found themselves dealing with was their first baseman's fitness, with Freeman having picked up an ankle injury before the postseason began.

One of the best hitters in the major leagues and as reliable as anyone defensively, it goes without saying that Freeman's presence was a huge factor in the Dodgers' chances of going all the way. To make matters worse, Freeman also sustained an injury to one of his ribs during batting practice.

Talking about the rib injury, and how he initially feared it might have kept him out of the most important part of the season, Freeman said:

"I had a costal cartilage defect in my sixth rib, which is essentially a broken rib. That actually happened the night before the NLDS game one, against the Padres. So, I was hitting in the cage and I dropped to the ground and needed help out of the cage," Freeman said [6:53]

"I went to the MRI too, I was in the MRI at 11:30 that night, and luckily, the results came back [alright]. I thought I had blown my oblique out and whatnot, but it came back and I was like 'Well, I think I can play through that, right, with some help'." Freeman added [7:07]

Eventually, Freddie Freeman was the hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. In the five Fall Classic games, Freeman batted .300, with four home runs and 12 RBIs. He was named the World Series MVP for his heroics.

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Freddie Freeman wins second career World Series title and Willie Mays award

Superstar Freddie Freeman clinched his second career World Series title as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 7-6 in game five of 2024's Fall Classic, in process sealing a 4-1 series victory.

Despite the Yankees racing out to a five-run lead by the end of three innings of game five, a defensive nightmare ensured that the Dodgers got back on level terms and eventually won the contest.

This wasn't the first time Freeman was celebrating at this time of the year, having already won a World Series title with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. However, paired with a richly deserved Willie Mays award, it's safe to say 2024's win might have been slightly sweeter for Freddie Freeman.