The Los Angeles Dodgers have to figure out how to fill in third base for an estimated six weeks after Max Muncy suffered a bone bruise in his left knee, and the injury is going to further highlight Tommy Edman’s versatility.
Edman had largely been limited to second base while he dealt with the effects of a right ankle injury earlier in the season, but the issue now seems to be behind him. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts planned to utilize Edman in center field more often going forward.
But Muncy’s injury has thrown a wrench in that plan to a certain extent, and the Dodgers are going to expand Edman’s role to include third base duties.
“Obviously, I’ve got Miggy Ro playing third base tonight,” Roberts said before the Dodgers’ lopsided loss to the Houston Astros. “Kiké will play third tomorrow. I think we’re going to start getting Tommy Edman to take some balls at third base. He’s done it, I think in ’19 and ’20, maybe.
“So to get him over there, it’ll give continue to give Hyeseong some runway at second base versus right-handed pitching. And then versus left-handed pitching, obviously Kike or Miggy Ro will be over there. So that’s kind of how it is right now.”
Meanwhile, the Dodgers recalled Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A Oklahoma City as Muncy’s replacement on the 26-man roster.
Ruiz is up with the Dodgers for the first time since being acquired in a trade with the Athletics. While with Oklahoma City, he has hit .292/.394/.458 with 16 doubles, eight home runs and 37 RBI over 66 games.
Tommy Edman’s career at third base
Edman has 94 career appearances at third base, with his most recent being in 2022. Though, he only played eight games at the position that season. Edman was primarily a third baseman during his rookie season with 41 starts and 55 total appearances.
Edman has taken ground balls at third base before each of the last two games and is expected to make his first start at the position this year during the Dodgers’ road trip.
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