Dodgers GM: Freeman can take 'as long as he needs' while son is in hospital

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman will continue to be away from the team while his 3-year-old son, Maximus, remains in hospital.

General manager Brandon Gomes told Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times that the All-Star can take "as long as he needs" before rejoining the team.

Freeman's wife, Chelsea, revealed in an Instagram post Thursday that Maximus was diagnosed with a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological condition. The disease causes the immune system to attack the nerves and can lead to symptoms that include weakness, numbness, and paralysis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Chelsea wrote in her post that Maximus "rapidly declined" and went into full-body paralysis Friday. Fortunately, she said his condition has improved in the last 48 hours and he was taken off a ventilator Wednesday.

The Dodgers placed Freeman on the family emergency list after he left the team Friday to return to Los Angeles. He'll remain on the list until he's ready to play again.

"I haven't even broached that subject of him coming back," manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday, per Harris. "I just don't feel it's right."