The Los Angeles Dodgers have been searching for a temporary replacement for Tommy Edman as he’s set to begin the season on the injured list due to offseason ankle surgery.
Fortunately, the Dodgers have multiple quality options with Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freelan, Miguel Rojas and Santiago Espinal.
Espinal has proven to be a great value signing, while Kim put together a great showing in camp before leaving for the World Baseball Classic. The 27-year-old did sustain a left-hand injury in the WBC, but there is minimal concern over its severity. Additionally, Freeland and Rojas have both had a positive spring.
The overwhelmingly positive results from this camp competition is great news for the Dodgers, as it will be some time before Edman is ready to return to the field in a Major League game, according to Katie Woo of the Athletic:
There isn’t a timetable for Edman, but the Dodgers aren’t expecting him back any time soon. Edman took on-field batting practice for the first time last week, but he’s still at least a few weeks away from full baseball activity. Then he’ll need a rehab assignment — likely a longer one, given how long it’s been since he’s faced competition.
This is the first rough timeline projected for Edman’s return. The last update, received March 5, indicated the Dodgers were encouraged by his ability to resume baseball activities, but the plan was to continue slow-playing his return.
Edman said before the start of Spring Training that he wouldn’t force himself into action if his ankle isn’t completely back to full health.
Dodgers not concerned with Hyeseong Kim’s injury
Kim was out of the lineup for Korea in their final game of pool play against Team Australia on Monday due to a left-hand injury he sustained while stealing a base against Taiwan the day before.
The left-handed hitter had previously started Korea’s first three matchups at second base.
Kim was batting .462 with a 1.154 on-base plus slugging with one home run, five RBI and two stolen bases in 13 Cactus League at-bats.
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