Tommy Edman’s Ankle Injury Restricts Dodgers’ Center Field Choices

Tommy Edman’s ongoing ankle injury has significantly restricted his availability for the Los Angeles Dodgers, particularly in the center field position. This development has come during postseason play, where Edman has largely played at second base.

Impact of Edman’s Injury on Dodgers’ Strategy

Edman, known for his versatility, has made crucial contributions to the Dodgers’ success since joining the team. After the 2024 trade deadline, he successfully alternated between shortstop and center field, helping the team clinch the National League Championship Series (NLCS) MVP title.

Despite his potential, Edman’s sprained right ankle has hampered his performance this year, leading him to sustain two injured-list stints that forced him to miss 49 games in the regular season. As a result, he did not play in the field for the final four games before the postseason.

Current Postseason Performance

In the current postseason, Edman has started 10 of 11 games, all at second base. He has maintained a seven-game hitting streak, with a batting average of .289 and a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 122. In contrast, fellow teammate Andy Pages has struggled significantly, hitting just .077 with three hits in 39 at-bats this postseason.

Strategic Decisions for Center Field

With Edman limited to second base, the Dodgers are assessing alternative options for center field. Kiké Hernández has emerged as a candidate, though he has limited experience in that position this season, having played just 38 innings in eight games. Hyeseong Kim, active throughout the postseason, has yet to see significant playtime, having only appeared once as a pinch-runner.

• Kiké Hernández: Limited center field experience (38 innings this season).
• Hyeseong Kim: Primarily an infielder, active but with minimal appearances.

Manager’s Thoughts on the Situation

Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of both defensive and offensive capabilities. He expressed concern about the need for better offensive performance from Pages while considering lineup adjustments. Although benching Pages could be a potential strategy, Roberts remains cautious and wants to observe improvements before making any changes.

Future Considerations for Edman

As the World Series progresses, Edman indicated he would evaluate his ankle condition after the season concludes. He mentioned, “The ankle feels like it’s in a really good spot now,” while ensuring his focus remains on helping the team.