Tommy Edman Will Miss Opening Day Because of Ankle Surgery

Dodgers player Tommy Edman will not be ready for the start of the baseball season. He had surgery on his ankle in November and needs time to heal. The team wants him to be fully better before he plays again.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

The start of the baseball season will see the Los Angeles Dodgers without utilityman Tommy Edman, who is set to begin the year on the injured list. This decision follows offseason surgery on his right ankle and marks a significant absence for the team as they navigate the early games of the season. The team's approach, as stated by manager Dave Roberts, is to prioritize Edman's full recovery rather than rushing his return.

Edman's Recovery Timeline and Rationale

Tommy Edman underwent surgery on his right ankle in November. This procedure means he will not be ready for Opening Day, according to manager Dave Roberts. Roberts indicated that the team's priority is to ensure Edman is in the best possible condition to play.

  • Surgery: Right ankle surgery performed in November.

  • Impact: Edman will start the season on the injured list.

  • Team's Stance: "We're not going to rush it." The focus is on his complete recovery.

  • Edman's Perspective: Edman stated his rehabilitation is "on schedule" and that the part of his ankle causing him trouble has not reappeared during recovery.

Previous Injury and Surgery History

Edman's current absence is linked to his ankle surgery. It's noteworthy that he also underwent Tommy John surgery last June. Despite these past injuries, Edman has expressed that his current ankle rehabilitation is progressing as planned.

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  • Tommy John Surgery: Performed in June of the previous year.

  • Ankle Surgery: Performed in November of the previous year.

  • Edman's Statement: "I feel like I’m on schedule with that, just kind of see how it goes with each step along the way."

Impact on Dodgers' Second Base Position

Edman's absence creates an immediate opening at second base. Last season, he played the most games at this position for the Dodgers among any rostered player, featuring in 66 games. The team will need to find a solution for this vacancy as the season begins.

  • Games at Second Base (Last Season): 66 games, the highest on the team.

  • Vacancy: Edman's absence opens up competition for the starting second base role.

  • Manager's View: Dave Roberts stated he has options and is not in a hurry to set a full-time starter in Edman's place.

Edman's Performance and Role

Despite past injuries that saw him on the injured list twice last season, Edman appeared in 97 games. He was noted by manager Dave Roberts for having a "great year for the opportunities he was given." The team appears to value his contributions and is keen to have him back at full strength.

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  • Games Played (Last Season): 97 games, despite two stints on the injured list.

  • Manager's Assessment: "He did a really nice job for us."

  • Future Opportunities: Roberts anticipates Edman will have more opportunities this year once healthy.

Expert Analysis

"We want to put him in the best position." - Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

"It takes a lot to get your body into baseball shape." - Dave Roberts, regarding players returning from surgery.

"The real benchmarks of his recovery will be when he’s comfortable with sudden acceleration and changing direction." - Tommy Edman, on his rehabilitation milestones.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Tommy Edman's recovery from offseason ankle surgery will preclude him from participating in Opening Day. The Dodgers, under manager Dave Roberts, have opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return. While Edman is reportedly progressing on schedule, key markers related to agility and direction changes will dictate his eventual return to play. His absence leaves a notable gap at second base, a position he occupied most frequently last season. The team will utilize its roster depth to manage this situation in the early part of the season, with Roberts indicating he has options and no immediate need to name a permanent replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why will Tommy Edman miss Opening Day?
Tommy Edman had surgery on his right ankle in November and is still recovering.
Q: When will Tommy Edman return?
The team is not rushing his return and wants him to be fully healed. A specific date has not been set.
Q: How does this affect the Dodgers?
Edman's absence means the team needs to find someone to play second base, a position he played often last year.