Dodgers to get defensive stalwart, dependable bat back with Edman's return

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The last time Tommy Edman took the field for the Dodgers was in last year's World Series. He had been dealing with a lingering right ankle injury all season, but he felt good enough to play center field for the final two games of the Fall Classic, opening up second base for eventual Game 7 hero Miguel Rojas.

The Dodgers and Edman knew that the utility man would miss a chunk of this season after he had surgery to repair his ankle not long after the World Series, but his recovery took a little longer than previously expected. Ramping up his running progression was the biggest obstacle to overcome, but once he was over the hump, his rehab picked up.

Midway through June, Edman's return is at last on the horizon, as he wrapped up his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City over the weekend and is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list this homestand, likely on Tuesday, per manager Dave Roberts.

Here's a look at what Edman's return means for the Dodgers:

A proven MLB bat at second base
Second base has been a platoon for the Dodgers all season long, with Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim serving as the primary left-handed-hitting options, and Miguel Rojas and Santiago Espinal complementing them from the right-hand side.

Entering Sunday, the Dodgers had gotten a .656 OPS from their second basemen, lower than every position except shortstop (.645). It's unclear how much of an upgrade Edman will be -- he has a .717 career OPS, and .672 in his two seasons in L.A. -- but he brings more experience than Freeland and Kim, who combined for the most plate appearances by Dodgers second basemen this year.

It has also been a while since we've seen what a healthy Edman looks like. He's dealt with off-and-on discomfort in his ankle for years. During Spring Training, he said the last time he felt close to full health was the beginning of 2025, when he posted an .818 OPS in 30 games before tweaking the ankle for the first time that season.

A true superutility option
Edman's best asset might just be his versatility, and even though the Dodgers have carried utility options in his absence, they've lacked a player who gives them real lineup flexibility. Kiké Hernández's return from the IL lasted just two games, and Santiago Espinal has yet to play the outfield as a Dodger.

While Edman should get the lion's share of the starts at second base, he can also spell Andy Pages, who has started all but two of the Dodgers' games in center field. Pages has been one of L.A.'s most impactful bats, giving the team little reason to want to leave him out of the lineup, but his production has dropped off some after a torrid start to the season. An occasional day off might help keep him fresh.

In addition to second base and center field, Edman also started games at third base and left field during his rehab assignment with Oklahoma City, giving the Dodgers additional options.

The championship core gets healthier
Similar to last year, the Dodgers are dealing with an extensive number of injuries. They're missing Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow in the rotation; Edwin Díaz and Evan Phillips in the bullpen; and Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith in the starting lineup. And that's not even naming everyone.

The Dodgers have hardly been close to full strength all season, and despite that, they've still been one of the best teams in the Majors. Their priority is being healthy in time for what they hope will be another deep postseason run, and getting Edman back this week is an encouraging step in the right direction.