GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without second baseman Tommy Edman as the season begins, following his recovery from ankle surgery last fall. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Monday that Edman will start the season on the Injured List, creating an opportunity for other players to step into the second base role.
Edman has been making progress in his rehabilitation, recently taking swings and engaging in light jogging. “He’s getting his body in shape,” Roberts noted. However, the manager emphasized the importance of a cautious approach, stating, “We don’t want any regression or setbacks.” The focus is on ensuring Edman is fully prepared before returning to play.
Edman acknowledged that aiming for Opening Day was an aggressive goal. “I feel like I’m on schedule with that,” he said. His recovery has been methodical, hitting key milestones along the way, but he remains focused on taking things step by step.
With Edman unavailable, the Dodgers have several candidates for the second base position. Roberts mentioned Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, and Alex Freeland as potential options. Another possibility is Santiago Espinal, who recently signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to join the big-league camp. A career .261 hitter, Espinal brings valuable experience from his time with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds.
Among the candidates, Kim stands out as a natural fit for the second base role. He also offers the versatility to back up Andy Pages in center field. After a challenging rookie season with the Dodgers, where he appeared in 71 games primarily at second base, Kim is eager to demonstrate his skills. He reflected on his previous season, stating, “I was not satisfied last year – I found out some of the things that I needed to work on.”
Roberts expressed optimism about Kim’s development, citing his overall performance. “He had a great year for the opportunities he was given,” Roberts commented. Kim hit .280 overall, and with the additional focus on improving his swing, he aims to secure a spot on the season-opening roster.
Freeland, who also made his MLB debut last year, faced challenges with a batting average of just .190 across 29 games. “At times the game sped up on him,” Roberts pointed out, but he noted that Freeland has made significant strides over the winter. The manager is keen to see improved performance from him this spring.
Blake Snell’s Status Uncertain
While the Dodgers manage their lineup, Blake Snell remains the only member of the projected six-man rotation yet to face hitters during camp. Snell has not thrown off a mound since joining the team on a five-year, $182 million contract. His decision to take a slower approach this spring stems from a shoulder issue that impacted his performance last year.
Roberts confirmed that Snell is in the process of playing catch and throwing, but his readiness for the start of the season is still unclear. “Once he gets off the mound, throws a ‘pen, faces some hitters, we’ll know more,” he stated, highlighting the need for Snell to catch up with the rest of the rotation.
As the Dodgers navigate these challenges, the team’s depth and adaptability will be crucial. The opening of the season is just around the corner, and the Dodgers are poised to make the most of the opportunities presented by Edman’s absence and Snell’s cautious recovery.
