Dodgers News: Edman’s Ankle Still an Issue, but Manageable

LOS ANGELES, CA—Entering the postseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers were awaiting the return of a healthy Tommy Edman, who rejoined the team with just a few weeks to go in the regular season.

Edman, 30, missed a significant chunk of the season on multiple occasions thanks to a lingering right ankle injury that has plagued him since last season during his minor league rehab assignment while he was with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Still, the Dodgers hoped that the additional time off, once Edman hit the injured list for the second time in August, would benefit the utilityman and have him ready to play the outfield upon his return.

That plan went smoothly for the first couple of games until the Dodgers left Chase Field in Arizona, where Edman appeared to reaggravate his ankle while playing on the artificial turf.

Edman would sit for the final few games of the regular season, with his last appearance coming as the Dodgers ’ designated hitter while two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani took the day off.

Although Edman has been a regular in the Dodgers’ lineup in October, he has only played at second base. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that they would probably keep an eye on Edman’s ankle during the postseason.

Edman essentially confirmed during yesterday’s pregame interview that he is open to playing in the outfield again this season if the team requires it.

“I think it’s definitely getting better. It didn’t feel great at the end of the year, but having a couple days off in Seattle definitely helped it recover,” Edman said before Game 4 of the National League Division Series. “It’s definitely at a point where it’s manageable now.”

This year, all of Edman’s playoff starts have been at second base. When the Dodgers placed him on the injured list in August, he was out for just over five weeks, following a careful plan to let his sprained right ankle heal completely.

“That’s kind of just a coaching decision, I guess,” Edman answered when asked about the viability of playing center field during the postseason. “But I haven’t really taken any reps out there yet. But maybe as we get farther on in the postseason, as the ankle starts to feel better, I’ll maybe try to get out there.

“But at least for now, probably not.”

Fortunately for the Dodgers, who clinched the NLDS yesterday, they will have three full days off before starting Game One of the National League Championship Series on Monday. It remains undecided whether they will travel to Milwaukee or stay in Los Angeles, as the opponent—the Chicago Cubs or Brewers—has not yet been confirmed.

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