The Dodgers are facing a significant Opening Day challenge as a key player is sidelined due to surgery! It's a tough blow for any team when a versatile player like Tommy Edman won't be ready for the season's start. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Monday that Edman will begin the season on the injured list as he continues his recovery from offseason ankle surgery. This means the highly anticipated start to the baseball season will be without one of the Dodgers' valuable utility players.
But here's where it gets complicated: There's currently no clear timeline for when Edman might be cleared to return to the field. Roberts emphasized the importance of a long-term approach to Edman's recovery, stating, “Just looking as to where his ankle is at, trying to play the long view. You don’t want to have any regression or setbacks, so how can we be methodical with it.” He further explained that Edman is still in the process of getting back to full baseball form, which involves more than just taking swings. The team is committed to not rushing his return, aiming to put him in the best possible position for sustained performance.
Edman underwent surgery on his right ankle back in November. The need for this procedure stemmed from persistent soreness that began around the middle of the 2024 season. He initially sprained the ankle during a rehab assignment with the St. Louis Cardinals, not long before his trade to Los Angeles. Despite managing to play through the discomfort for a significant portion of the 2025 season, his defensive capabilities were notably impacted. For instance, Roberts was hesitant to play Edman in center field due to the ankle issue.
And this is the part most people miss: Edman's true strength lies in his exceptional versatility, his ability to seamlessly play multiple positions across the diamond. The Dodgers are acutely aware that rushing him back when he might still be defensively limited would be counterproductive. While Edman was initially penciled in as the Dodgers’ starting second baseman, the team's strategic vision leans towards utilizing him as a super-utility player. This means he'd be a crucial asset in center field and a reliable backup at shortstop, especially when Mookie Betts isn't available.
Furthermore, the Dodgers observed a decline in Edman's offensive output throughout the 2025 season. The organization believes this dip can be attributed to him overcompensating for his ankle injury. For context, in 2023, his last fully healthy season, Edman posted a solid .248 batting average with a .705 OPS over 137 games. In 2025, these numbers saw a reduction, dropping to .225 and .665 respectively.
Edman has indeed reported to spring training and has made progress by taking swings. However, the Dodgers are still uncertain about the exact duration required for him to ramp up to full baseball activities. In the interim, the team has several viable options at second base, including Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland, and Miguel Rojas. Adding to their depth, Los Angeles also signed infielder Santiago Espinal to a minor-league deal on Monday, and he will be joining the big-league camp.
Roberts will be closely observing the offensive improvements from both Kim and Freeland as the competition for the second base job heats up this spring. Neither player had a particularly stellar season at the plate last year. However, Kim enters the new season with a strong foundation, having hit .280 with a .385 slugging percentage over 71 games. Freeland, on the other hand, struggled, hitting just .190 with a .601 OPS in his 29 total games.
Roberts shared his thoughts on Freeland, noting, “Freeland, it was tough for him because it was his first opportunity playing in the big leagues, and I think at times the game sped up on him. But he’s a guy that doesn’t need to carry an offense, so I want to see the quality of (at-bats) and keep him moving around the diamond.” Regarding Kim, Roberts expressed optimism: “Hyeseong, the adjustability of the high ball, the spin, he’s going to be better here. The surface line was fine. I thought he had a great year for the opportunities he was given. I expect him to have more opportunities this year.”
Now, here's a point that might spark some debate: With Edman out, Roberts faces the task of naming a full-time starting second baseman. He could opt for a platoon situation with either Kim or Freeland, sharing duties with Rojas. This crucial decision is not expected to be made until later in the spring, as most of the roster is gradually easing into workouts and games following last year's extended postseason run.
What are your thoughts on the Dodgers' strategy for filling Edman's absence? Do you agree with a cautious approach to his return, or do you think they should push for him to be back sooner? Let us know in the comments below!
