Dodgers’ Infield Depth Tested Again as Tommy Edman Re-Injures Ankle
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ revolving door of infield injuries took another turn Sunday when utilityman Tommy Edman left the game against the Tampa Bay Rays with a right ankle sprain — the same injury that sidelined him earlier this season.
Edman grimaced and limped back to first base after rounding the bag, echoing a nearly identical scene from last week’s series against the Boston Red Sox. After the game, manager Dave Roberts offered a grim outlook.
“It’s a recurrence of what he’s been dealing with,” Roberts said. “I think once he hit the bag… I just don’t see how it’s not an IL. We’re obviously gonna get Muncy back, so that’ll probably be the move.”
More Injuries, More Uncertainty
If placed on the injured list again, Edman would join fellow infielders Max Muncy (knee), Kiké Hernández (groin), and rookie Hyeseong Kim (shoulder bursitis) — a growing list that continues to challenge the Dodgers’ depth and continuity.
Edman’s offensive numbers — a .226/.280/.395 slash line with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs — don’t jump off the page, but his defensive versatility has been a quiet constant for the team. With the ability to play all over the infield and outfield, Edman has been a vital piece in bridging gaps created by other injuries. And while his bat has cooled since early-season success, his postseason experience and clutch presence remain important assets for a team with championship ambitions.
Kim Lands on IL After Shoulder Injection
Compounding the Dodgers’ infield problems, rookie utilityman Hyeseong Kim was placed on the 10-day injured list last Tuesday due to left shoulder bursitis. The decision came while the team was on the road in Cincinnati, and Kim returned to Los Angeles early to receive a cortisone injection.
“He’ll be down for a couple days with no activity,” Roberts told the Orange County Register. “Hopefully it’s going to be shorter term. But you know Hyeseong – this guy is tough, tough as nails. He could have kept going. But … it’s best for him.”
The 26-year-old had been playing through the discomfort, but his production had suffered, batting just .158 over his last seven games. The Dodgers opted for caution, prioritizing long-term health over short-term availability. While the team doesn’t expect the issue to linger deep into August, no firm return date has been announced.
In Kim’s place, the Dodgers called up their No. 3 overall prospect, Alex Freeland. The 22-year-old infielder has held his own in his first taste of big league action, going 3-for-6 with an RBI during LA’s nine-game road trip. His emergence adds some temporary stability, but the team continues to hope Kim’s stint on the IL will be brief.
Muncy’s Return Could Provide Relief
With Edman now sidelined, the timing of Max Muncy’s return becomes especially critical. Roberts confirmed that the veteran slugger — who has missed significant time with a knee injury — is expected to be activated on Monday, giving the Dodgers back their primary third baseman.
Still, the strain on the roster is evident. Edman had been filling in for Muncy at third, while Kim was shuffled across second and shortstop. Kiké Hernández, who has also missed time, remains without a firm timeline following multiple procedures.
Dodgers Treading Water as August Looms
As July winds down, the Dodgers find themselves in a delicate spot — juggling injuries while attempting to maintain momentum in the playoff race. The lack of continuity has been visible both offensively and defensively, with key contributors missing large stretches and newcomers like Freeland being asked to adapt quickly.
Though the team has shown resilience, they’ll need players like Edman and Kim healthy and productive down the stretch. Their absences, while temporarily offset by Muncy’s return and Freeland’s promotion, leave the Dodgers thin at a time when margins are tightening across the National League.
The Dodgers have been here before — leaning on depth and development — but if they’re to make another deep postseason run, getting healthier soon is no longer just a hope. It’s a necessity.