Dodgers Welcome Back Tommy Edman, Part Ways with Santiago Espinal

Troubles with injuries are now behind the Los Angeles Dodgers as they activated Tommy Edman off the 60-day injured list on Tuesday. Edman, who has been sidelined since November following right ankle surgery, is set to rejoin a team that has missed his multi-positional skills during his absence. The utility player, who started 32 of 33 postseason games in his first two seasons with the Dodgers, is ready to make an impact once again.

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers designated infielder Santiago Espinal for assignment to clear space on both the active and 40-man rosters. This decision reflects the team’s strategic approach to roster management as they look to optimize their lineup with Edman’s return.

Edman’s rehabilitation was carefully monitored, with the Dodgers eager to ensure he would not face lingering issues from his surgery. He expressed his commitment to a full recovery during the Dodgers fan fest in January, stating, “I want to make sure I’m a full go, and don’t have to worry about [the ankle] again the rest of the year.” His three-week rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City was productive; he participated in 14 of 18 games, showcasing his readiness with a .275/.351/.392 batting line, including a home run and a stolen base.

Notably, Edman had greater success batting left-handed during his rehab, hitting .300/.378/.450 in 45 plate appearances. In contrast, he struggled slightly batting right-handed, managing just two hits in 11 at-bats. Throughout his seven-year career, Edman has shown a preference for facing left-handed pitching, posting a .273/.314/.495 line against them compared to a .254/.313/.373 line against righties.

During his time with Oklahoma City, Edman demonstrated his versatility, starting five games at second base, two each at third base, left field, and center field, and three times as designated hitter. This adaptability positions him well for a return to the Dodgers, where he is expected to play multiple positions, including a start against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan on Wednesday.

Espinal, who contributed a .268/.276/.375 line across 36 games, found himself in a crowded infield, especially with Edman’s return. His previous stint with the Dodgers had been marked by a brief designation for assignment on May 25, only to return due to injuries to key players. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Espinal’s contributions but noted the fit with the current roster was no longer ideal, stating, “Espy’s been great for us, but the fit right now with our ballclub, it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.”

As the Dodgers look to bolster their lineup, the addition of both Edman and Alex Freeland, who is also a switch-hitter, enhances the team’s versatility. Freeland’s ability to play all over the infield complements Edman’s skills, who can now add outfield duties to his repertoire. Espinal leaves the Dodgers after a brief resurgence, ending his tenure with a four-game hitting streak, including five singles in his last eight at-bats.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.