Tommy Edman made his 2026 debut in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday afternoon, just one day after he was activated off the 60-day injured list.
Edman had missed the entire year up until that point while recovering from offseason right ankle surgery. It took slightly longer than anticipated, but the team wanted to give him as much time as needed after multiple seasons of ankle trouble.
“It was important,” manager Dave Roberts said of Edman’s ankle completely healing before rejoining the Dodgers. “For him, it’s been a few years just nagging. And even with the surgery, there was still trying to get over the hump with feeling good.
“So it was important just so we can hopefully get it behind us. But I think even with that, when he comes back, we’re going to be mindful of the playing time, and probably a three or four times a week situation for a while.”
Even with their approach to easing Edman back in, the Dodgers do not anticipate any restrictions on his ankle.
“From what I understand, not limited,” Roberts said. “He’s moving well, recovering well. We got him in the infield, we got him in the outfield, back to back, all that stuff.”
Dodgers’ plan for Tommy Edman
Edman spent the maximum 20 days on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma and played three different positions. He started at third base in his first game back with the Dodgers and is also expected to see time at second base and left field this season.
Edman was mostly limited to playing second base last season, but that won’t be the case this year now that his right ankle is in a better spot.
“I’d say so,” Roberts answered when asked if Edman will move around the field more this season. “I mean, it’s hard because I don’t know when Teo’s (Hernández) going to come back, but he’s going to need to be spelled.
“I like getting Max (Muncy) an off day here and there, and then also obviously with second base with Miggy (Miguel Rojas) in there too, and (Alex) Freeland, so it’ll be interesting, but yeah, he’s going to be moved around a little bit.”
One position Edman doesn’t figure to play despite previously doing so for the Dodgers is center field. Roberts said that’s due to Andy Pages becoming an All-Star-caliber player.
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