Tommy Edman's hot return should quiet Dodgers fans' fears
Tommy Edman has silenced early doubts about his $74 million extension by torching pitching since his mid-June activation, posting a .972 OPS and .366 average while giving the Dodgers lineup stability at second base, third, and left field—proof his November ankle surgery finally unlocked the switch-hitter who starred in the 2024 playoffs.
After months of rehab delays and a forgettable 2025, Tommy Edman returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 16 and immediately looked like the player LA extended before the ankle trouble. Through his first stretch back, he has been one of the offense's hottest bats on a roster already loaded with stars.
Key Takeaways
- Edman is hitting .366/.436/.537 with a .972 OPS across his first games since activation in mid-June.
- Healthy ankles and a steady pregame routine have let the switch-hitter produce from both sides of the plate.
- His surge has kept Hyeseong Kim in Triple-A and gives Dave Roberts lineup flexibility at multiple positions.
- Advanced metrics suggest regression is coming, but a functional everyday Edman was always the real goal.
Why is Tommy Edman hitting so well after his ankle surgery?
Edman underwent right ankle surgery in November 2025 after ligament issues dragged down his 2025 season. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City in late May and told DodgersBeat he was treating it like a second spring training.
Less than three weeks later, he was back in Los Angeles. Edman credited preparation over flash: "I feel like it's all about the preparation and routine and having a good game plan," he said in San Diego. He added that his ankle finally feels right—something he had not experienced for roughly two years.
What do Edman's early numbers actually look like?
Through Thursday, Edman owned a .366/.436/.537 line across 46 plate appearances, per Dodgers Way. The Chosun Ilbo reported a .972 OPS over his first nine games, including 11 hits in 29 at-bats.
In 10 starts since his 2026 debut, the Dodgers went 7-3 with Edman posting 15 hits, one home run, one triple, two doubles, five walks, and 15 RBI, according to DodgersBeat. His .452 BABIP and career-best barrel rate and exit velocity scream small-sample spike—and even Edman's expected stats (.319 xBA, .423 xSLG) sit below the box score.
How does Edman's return affect the Dodgers' roster?
Edman's versatility has let manager Dave Roberts rotate him at left field, third base, and second base while injuries sidelined others. With Teoscar Hernández returning, Edman is expected to settle at second base, restoring the infield depth that made his five-year deal sensible.
The ripple effects reach Oklahoma City: Edman's .972 OPS has kept Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim in the minors a month longer than some fans expected, per The Chosun Ilbo.
For fans tracking lineup shakeups and SportsNet LA coverage windows, our Streaming & TV Alerts hub rounds up where to watch Dodgers action each week.
Should Dodgers fans worry about regression?
Almost certainly on the batting line—a career .260 hitter with a .695 OPS as a Dodger will not sustain .366 forever. Dodgers Way notes regression is inevitable. The franchise's real fear was whether Edman could be an everyday contributor again after a hobbled 2025; on that front, the early answer is emphatic yes.
LA leads its division without needing Edman to mash like his 2024 NLCS MVP run. A healthy utility man who hits near career norms would still justify the contract. What he has delivered so far is gravy—and reason for cautious optimism that the ankle fix finally stuck.