The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Tommy Edman from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, with the switch-hitter returning to center field for the series finale against the Colorado Rockies.
Edman had been sidelined since Aug. 4 with a sprained right ankle, an issue that has lingered since last season.
The Dodgers opted not to rush Edman back from his latest IL stint, giving him the best chance to be fully healthy in center field. Outfield production — both offensively and defensively — has been a major concern for the Dodgers throughout the year.
Hitting wasn’t much of an issue for Edman during his rehab, but running without pain was the final hurdle that delayed his activation at several points this year.
“I really don’t feel anything when I’m hitting right now,” Edman said. “In terms of it affecting me by being painful, it’s not painful at all when I hit.
“So I don’t know if I got into bad habits when I was trying to come back and it still did hurt, but right now I don’t feel it at all.”
The 30-year-old is glad to be back in time to contribute to the Dodgers’ division push in the final month of the regular season.
“Yeah, I’m excited. This is the best time of the year for baseball,” he said. “All these games are really important and hopefully we get some momentum going these last few weeks of the season to carry it into the playoffs.”
Dodgers evaluating Tommy Edman’s role
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts still envisions Edman getting most of his reps in center field, but noted he could eventually resume playing second base as well.
Edman has primarily played second base this season, but a move to center field would allow Andy Pages to shift over to left field, where Roberts previously noted the team needs more offensive production amid Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles.
Although Edman returned from the injured list at center field on Wednesday, he played second base in the series opener against the San Francisco Giants.
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