Versatility was one of the factors that had long drawn the Los Angeles Dodgers to Tommy Edman before acquiring him as part of a three-team trade in 2024.
Edman went on to play multiple positions for the Dodgers en route to their eight World Series title in franchise history, but he’s been somewhat limited this season. But after aggravating a sprained right ankle Edman suffered last season, he was relegated to playing second base.
Then at the end of June, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Edman would start to receive more opportunities in center field once again. However, Max Muncy ended up on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee shortly after, and Edman factored prominently in filling the void at third base.
But then Edman himself landed on the IL one month later because of a sprained right ankle. It was at that point the Dodgers decided they would commit to a deliberate approach with Edman’s recovery in order to make every effort of avoiding a setback would potentially impact his availability for the postseason.
Edman is approaching three weeks on the injured list and has steadily began to test his right ankle with baseball activities.
“I have done straight-line running, I’ve taken light ground balls, taken BP, and about to go do some change of direction right now,” he said before Friday’s game in San Diego.
“It’s felt good with all the steps that I’ve been doing so far. Taking it slower than last time just to make sure I’m not irritating the issue further. Everything has been good so far. Just getting back out there and trying to go through all the baseball activities that I would potentially do on the field is something I’ve got to do and check off that box before I go out and play.”
Tommy Edman wants to play center field
Given that Edman is going through a methodical rehab process, he believes being available to play center field upon returning will be feasible.
“That’s the plan. I’ll definitely be checking that box off before I go out and play, making sure I’m able to handle center field,” Edman said.
He noted previously doing so was problematic because of the physical demands of the position.
“I think a combination of getting a few more steps in there and just total volume of running during a game,” Edman began. “And more at top speed, and then the first step of having to push off and get to top speed as fast as I can. In the infield, you’re more side to side, more lateral, so you’re not necessarily getting to top speed.
“There’s more acceleration in the outfield.”
Roberts said the Dodgers are “very optimistic” over the likelihood of Edman being able to play center field. He added the team is going to continue to “make sure we err on the side of caution.”
Edman estimated a return would come during the first week of September.
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