The Los Angeles Dodgers had a very busy trade deadline, with Tommy Edman and Jack Flaherty being their two biggest additions.
On paper, the Dodgers were able to check off every box on their to-do list with additions to the infield, outfield, rotation, and bullpen.
While Edman was one of the more prominent players to be dealt to the Dodgers at the deadline, he does come with a certain degree of risk.
Edman has yet to make his debut in 2024 as he went on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 25, which is just a few days before the St. Louis Cardinals kicked off their 2024 season against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
Edman underwent right wrist surgery in the offseason to deal with inflammation. The discomfort in his right wrist resurfaced during Spring Training and caused him to be placed on the IL.
He began his rehab assignment on July 9, but four games into his rehab assignment he experienced a slight setback due to ankle soreness.
“I’m about two weeks into the rehab. I have eight games worth of at-bats at DH. I haven’t played the field yet because of the ankle, but getting closer to that,” Edman said.
“I’m getting reevaluated here over the next couple of days and figuring out how close I am to playing the field again, but it shouldn’t be too long.”
On July 24, the Cardinals sent him back out on assignment to take at-bats, but has not played in the field until he has more confidence in the ankle. The good news for Edman and the Dodgers is that the situation has improved substantially in the past week or so.
“It’s feeling a lot better, especially this last week, it’s really turned a corner,” Edman said. “It was kind of stagnating a little bit for the first like three to four weeks after the injury, and then it really started advancing well over the last week or two.”
As for what position the Dodgers plan to put Edman at once he is able to come off the IL, it is rumored that he will be slotted into center field while occasionally filling in at other positions when needed.
However, the Dodgers also added Kevin Kiermaier as a center field option, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was uncommitted about where Edman will slot in.
How much longer will Tommy Edman’s rehab last?
So far through eight games in the Minors, Edman has been unable to find his rhythm at the plate with just six hits in 29 at-bats. With these being his first at-bats of the 2024 season, it is understandable at this point and he is confident that the results will improve as time goes on.
“It’s kind of tough to say. I think the main factor is the fact that I haven’t played games this year yet, so I’m almost treating this like a kind of Spring Training.
“But having gotten a fair number of at-bats so far helps out with the timing factor. That’s one of the biggest issues, is getting timing back as a hitter. And I think I’m going to try to get some live at-bats and then getting comfortable in the field as well.
“So it’s tough to say exactly when that’ll be, but everything’s been feeling good, so I’m excited to get back and contribute to this team.”
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