The Los Angeles Dodgers filled a key need at the trade deadline by acquiring Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a three-team deal that included the Chicago White Sox.
Edman is yet to play this year because of offseason right wrist surgery and a sprained ankle suffered during his rehab process. However, his switch-hitting and ability to handle multiple positions has made him one of the most valuable players in recent seasons.
Edman primarily played second base during his time with the Cardinals but was projected to be their starting center fielder this year. That is where manager Dave Roberts sees the 29-year-old getting most of his reps with the Dodgers.
“Tommy is going to take a lot of his repetitions in center field,” Roberts said. “He’s going to take some at short, and he’ll take some at second as well.”
With Edman set to become the Dodgers’ center fielder, Andy Pages will likely get bumped to a platoon role or potentially even optioned. The rookie has struggled defensively at times this season, including not taking optimal routes on fly balls.
Edman will also occasionally fill in at shortstop and second base when Miguel Rojas or Gavin Lux are out of the lineup. He gives the Dodgers more versatility to a group that already has numerous options in the infield, and it should help them get their best lineup on the field every day.
Tommy Edman nearing return
Edman began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City and has gone 4-for-12 at the plate through four games. Roberts previously suggested that he and Max Muncy could return to the Dodgers next week.
Edman is under team control through the 2025 season after he signed a two-year, $16.5 million contract this past January to avoid arbitration.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
