The Los Angeles Dodgers got a significant lift on Wednesday as Tommy Edman was activated from the injured list after a five-week absence. The versatile defender wasted no time rejoining the starting lineup, slotting in at center field for the series finale against the Colorado Rockies.
Edman’s return from a right ankle sprain comes at a critical juncture of the season, with Los Angeles holding a slim two-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West. Manager Dave Roberts didn’t mince words about what it means for the team.
“A big boost for us… versatility, CF play, 2B play. Our team looks more whole,” Roberts said of Edman’s comeback.
Reworking the Outfield Picture
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By immediately starting Edman in center, the Dodgers addressed an area of defensive instability. Mookie Betts remained at shortstop, Miguel Rojas shifted to second base, and Edman’s Gold Glove-caliber range filled a gap that had lingered for weeks. Still, Roberts emphasized that the next stretch of games will be about finding the right balance.
“I think I want to see him with my own eyes in games,” Roberts explained. “He’ll be taking ground balls at 2B. I can’t say how much I’ll be playing him at CF versus 2B.”
That flexibility has a direct impact on how Roberts configures the corners. Rookie Andy Pages held down left field, while Teoscar Hernández stayed in right despite ending last season as the team’s left fielder.
“I like Andy in right, Teo finished the championship season last year in left field. A lot of it is contingent on how Tommy Edman looks,” Roberts said, before clarifying why he’s kept Hernández where he is now. “Since Colorado, I think the outfield play has been very good from Teo. Now to flip him, I didn’t feel comfortable doing that.”
Looking Beyond the Box Score
Edman’s bat won’t be the focal point of his impact—he’s hitting just .228 with 12 home runs this season—but his presence stabilizes the roster in ways that extend beyond numbers. He was the 2024 NLCS MVP, a catalyst during the Dodgers’ championship run, and his speed and defense give Los Angeles a valuable edge in tight games.
The Dodgers entered Wednesday with an 81–64 record, while Colorado came in with a dismal 17–53 road mark. But as October looms, every game is magnified, and Roberts knows his lineup may still evolve.
For now, Edman’s return adds stability to an outfield that had been in flux, giving the Dodgers both a defensive anchor and the versatility to keep adjusting as the playoff push heats up.