Tommy Edman sprained his right ankle again during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ road trip, forcing him to exit the game early Sunday. The injury occurred in the fifth inning when Edman hit a ground ball to second base, reached first with a single, but then limped off after making a wide turn at first base. This marks the latest setback for Edman, who has struggled with ankle problems throughout the season.
Initially, Edman was sidelined last year while recovering from offseason wrist surgery and a sprained right ankle incurred on a rehab assignment. After recovering, he became a key contributor to the Dodgers, earning the National League Championship Series MVP and signing a five-year, $74 million extension before the 2025 season. However, ongoing ankle issues have continued to affect his performance this year.
Recent Ankle Issues Affect Edman’s Playing Time
This is the second time during the current road trip that Edman’s right ankle has caused concern. He first aggravated the injury while running the bases in the series opener against the Boston Red Sox, which led to him being scratched from the lineup on the following Monday due to lingering pain. Dodgers first base coach Chris Woodward signaled for a trainer after Edman’s injury on Sunday, and Miguel Rojas replaced Edman as a pinch-runner at second base.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned there was some consideration for placing Edman on the 10-day injured list, but instead, Hyeseong Kim was placed on the IL for left shoulder bursitis. Earlier in the season, Edman missed about two weeks in May after landing on the IL with right ankle inflammation. He re-injured the same ankle in early June during a game against the New York Mets but remained active on the roster. Additionally, Edman has been playing despite a hairline fracture in the pinky toe on his right foot.
Max Muncy Positioned to Take Over During Edman’s Absence
As the Dodgers prepare to begin a homestand, it appears Edman will likely be placed on the injured list to allow his ankle to heal. The team can manage this absence with Max Muncy potentially stepping in, as he nears a return after finishing a rehab assignment. Manager Dave Roberts indicated before Sunday’s game that Muncy was scheduled to serve as the designated hitter for Triple-A Oklahoma City, with a decision pending on when to activate him on the major league roster.
Muncy’s readiness could help the Dodgers maintain infield depth while Edman recovers, providing some relief amid the challenges posed by Edman’s recurring ankle issues. How long Edman will remain sidelined remains uncertain, but resting now may be crucial to preventing further complications as the season progresses.