The Los Angeles Dodgers got a jolt of good news Monday night as veteran slugger Max Muncy returned to the lineup after a month-long absence. But as one key contributor rejoined the fold, another was likely headed out, with utilityman Tommy Edman re-aggravating his right ankle injury — a development that once again tests the Dodgers’ already-thin infield depth.
Muncy Activated, Slotted Right Back In
“He’s back!” the Dodgers posted on X, announcing Muncy’s return to the starting lineup at third base for the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 33-year-old was reinstated from the 60-day injured list just hours before first pitch, recovering from a bone bruise in his left knee that had sidelined him since July 3.
Manager Dave Roberts didn’t hesitate to insert Muncy into the five-hole behind Will Smith, providing an immediate injection of power to a lineup that has recently relied more on depth than star production.
Edman Injury “A Recurrence” That Likely Lands Him on IL
While Muncy’s return is a welcome sight, Edman’s latest setback is a significant blow. The 30-year-old limped off the field during Sunday’s win over the Rays after tweaking the same right ankle that had already cost him time earlier this year. It was a near mirror image of an incident just last week against Boston, when Edman exited after rounding first base awkwardly.
“It’s a recurrence of what he’s been dealing with,” Roberts said postgame. “I just don’t see how it’s not an IL [trip].”
Edman, who’s hitting .226/.280/.395 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs over 85 games, has struggled at the plate but has been invaluable due to his defensive versatility — starting at second base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions at various points this season. His absence leaves a void in both late-game maneuverability and lineup flexibility.
Roster Ripple Effects: Rojas, Freeland Next Men Up
With Edman likely IL-bound, Miguel Rojas got the nod at second base Monday night, batting ninth. Rookie Alex Freeland, the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect, is expected to share duties with Rojas in the interim. Freeland has looked steady in limited big league action, hitting 3-for-6 during the team’s recent road trip.
Meanwhile, Hyeseong Kim — another valuable utility piece — remains out with shoulder bursitis. Kim received a cortisone injection last week and is resting with no firm timetable. “Hopefully it’s going to be shorter term,” Roberts told the Orange County Register. “But you know Hyeseong — this guy is tough, tough as nails. He could have kept going. But … it’s best for him.”
Kiké Hernández is also dealing with groin trouble and remains without a set return date, compounding the club’s infield uncertainty.
Dodgers Lean on Resilience — Again
The injuries have forced Roberts and the front office to thread a narrow needle between urgency and caution. Muncy’s return certainly helps stabilize third base, but Edman’s absence — coming just as Kim and Hernández are also out — forces the Dodgers into familiar territory: relying on depth and player development to get through a critical stretch.
With August now underway, the Dodgers continue to walk a tightrope. Their playoff positioning remains strong, but the path forward is full of uncertainty.
They’ve weathered adversity before. To do it again, they’ll need Muncy’s power, Freeland’s poise, and — most of all — some long-overdue injury luck.