Freddie Freeman gets emotional hug from Bryce Harper on Dodgers return, reveals unwavering support from Phillies star during son Max's ICU battle 

It has been an emotional roller coaster for LA Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman over the last couple of weeks. The All-Star slugger made his Dodgers return on Monday after missing eight games due to a family emergency.

Freddie Freeman's youngest son, Max, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome last week, a neurological disorder that affects the nervous system. Max had a paralysis attack and was admitted to an Orange County hospital. He was subsequently kept on a ventilator.

After eight days, Max was discharged on Sunday and will now continue his recovery at home. Freeman returned to the Dodgers lineup for Monday's series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies and received a standing ovation from the crowd during his first at-bat at Dodger Stadium.

When he singled in the third inning, Phillies superstar Bryce Harper shared an emotional embrace with Freeman at first base. Following the game, the LA Dodgers star shared that Harper kept in touch with him during the medical crisis. He also revealed that every Phillies player reaching first base consoled him during the game:

“Bryce probably texts at least four times during the nine days, really checking in,” Freeman revealed.

Freeman's son Max is expected to make a full recovery, but there is still no confirmed timeline.

Freddie Freemen overwhelmed by emotions after teammates and staff's support on Dodgers return

Freddie Freeman's teammates and the Dodgers staff wore "#MaxStrong" t-shirts to show their support for the Freeman family during this tough period.

Freeman was taken aback by all the support he received and almost broke into tears a few times during his post-game press conference:

“That was the first time I cried today, when I walked in and saw those,” Freeman said.

“It means a lot. The support and the love that have been shown to us, it gave us hope. It was needed, it really was,” he added.

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who registered his 34th home run of the season during Monday's series opener, also extended his good wishes to Freeman as the hosts squeezed out a 5-3 win to hand the Phillies their seventh loss in the last eight games.