MLB star Freddie Freeman issues emotional health update after young son was hospitalized

Freddie Freeman gave an emotional update on his three-year-old son Maximus, with the prognosis trending in the right direction.

Speaking with reporters before Los Angeles' game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers star explained what was going through his mind and how his family is coping during an extremely stressful part of their lives. Of note, Freeman shared how his son is slowly progressing.

"Max, he's doing alright," the star first baseman told reporters before the game Monday . "We came home Saturday night from the ICU, so we started PT yesterday and let me tell you, he hates that but he's doing OK. His personality's back, he's Max, he's doing good in that aspect. He's got to relearn how to do pretty much everything ... he's doing OK, he's on his way to being better."

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The 34-year-old then explained how it was his son's progression that allowed him to join the team back in Los Angeles. "It's a good thing I'm here because it means things are trending better," Freeman said, adding that he wishes it were him instead of his son who was fighting for his life.

"Chelsea and I, it's been a long week," he continued. "No one should have to go through this ... I don't know how many times we wish we could switch."

Freeman then gave a day-by-day breakdown of how he and his family were coping with the situation, sharing how quickly Maximus became paralyzed as a result of his condition. The star first baseman explained how many doctors believed his three-year-old son had developed transient synovitis which could cause paralysis from a viral infection.

However, after meeting with a pediatrician and going to the emergency room to get tests done, it was revealed that Maximus was battling a severe case of Guillain-Barre syndrome. In an emotional Instagram post , the Freeman family shared the news to fans.

"We are very fortunate to have gotten him to the hospital in time so they could reinforce his lungs," Freddie's wife Chelsea wrote . “Freddie was in Houston at the time and rushed to the first flight back home. After many tests, Max is battling a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A rare neurological condition that is especially rare in children.

“These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives. Maximus is such a special boy and he has been fighting SO hard. This is going to be a journey to recover, but we have faith that he will be completely healed.

"We have been blown away by his improvements in the last 48 hours. Maximus was excavated from his breathing tube and taken off of the ventilator yesterday, which is a huge win for us. We believe in the power of prayer and we have been witnessing a miracle in his recovery.

“Please continue to cover Maximus and our family in your prayers. We really appreciate and have felt all of your support.” In his return to Dodgers stadium, the fans in attendance made sure to shower the star with affection.

In the bottom of the first inning, Freeman made his way to the plate and as he did, the crowd in Los Angeles all rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation lasting more than a minute. Cameras also spotted Phillies star Nick Castellanos removing his cap and placing it over his chest as a sign of solidarity, showing how Freeman's family is on the minds of those in the baseball community.