The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting an important utility player back tomorrow. With versatile veteran Tommy Edman making his return. Edman has yet to make his season debut with the Dodgers after undergoing major ankle surgery last winter, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. No word on who will be sent down. However, Santiago Espinal might be the odd man out.
Tommy Edman will be activated off the IL tomorrow as planned, Dave Roberts said, but the Dodgers will ramp him up to full-time. Expect Edman to start 3-4 games a week and to see time at 2B, 3B, LF.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) June 15, 2026
Is the Ankle Finally Fixed?
Tommy Edman had been battling a chronic ankle injury before becoming a Dodger in July of 2024. He was on the Injured List when he left the St. Louis Cardinals for Los Angeles. When he did join the team, his impact was immediate and eventually resulted in the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award.
However, he tweaked the ankle early last season and visited the IL again. When Edman returned, he was unable to be fully productive as his offense was down considerably. His batting average was twenty points lower than normal for his career. Most importantly, his range in center field was severely limited, and he was substituted in the field during the late innings.
Versatility Returns
During his extended rehab at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Edman has been patrolling center field with no ankle issues. He is expected to play multiple positions when he returns. His timing at the plate may need patience; however, if he comes close to his normal production, the Dodgers will be ecstatic. The options replacing him this season have been below average. The shortfall has been exacerbated by Enrique Hernandez’s prolonged absence as well.
More Returns on the Way
Manager Dave Roberts said Teoscar Hernandez could begin a rehab assignment as early as this weekend. Hernandez has been on the IL for a few weeks due to a hamstring strain. Hernandez said that this is a big week to access his recovery process. His timetable is probably dependent on if he can do running drills with no pain. In addition, closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled to throw a bullpen session, and is on target to return soon after the All-Star Break
For the Dodgers, nothing is certain. However, they seem to be trending in the right direction on the injury front.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
