Los Angeles Dodgers’ Tommy Edman Misses Second Consecutive Start With Sore Right Ankle in Series Opener Against Braves
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened a highly anticipated road series against the Atlanta Braves without one of their key players in the lineup for the second straight game. Infielder Tommy Edman, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, was scratched yet again due to lingering soreness in his right ankle—a concern that has begun to cast a shadow over the Dodgers’ infield depth and overall momentum.
Edman, who was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade that bolstered their already stacked roster, had been an essential part of the team’s defensive scheme this season. Known for his ability to play second base, shortstop, and outfield when needed, Edman has provided the Dodgers with much-needed flexibility, especially as they deal with various injuries and the inevitable ebbs and flows of a 162-game schedule. But now, with Edman sidelined, the team is being forced to reshuffle.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media before the opener at Truist Park, confirming that Edman’s ankle was still too sore for him to take the field. While Roberts downplayed the long-term severity of the injury, he acknowledged that the team would monitor Edman closely over the coming days. “Tommy’s still a little sore,” Roberts said. “We just didn’t feel like it made sense to push it tonight. We want to be smart and give him time to heal.”
Edman originally tweaked the ankle during a routine play earlier in the week. Though he remained in the game at the time, he was clearly favoring the foot by the late innings. The team listed him as day-to-day shortly thereafter, but his absence for a second consecutive game suggests the injury might be slightly more troublesome than initially thought. With the Dodgers playing a stretch of competitive series—including this marquee matchup against the Braves—managing Edman’s health carefully is a priority.
The Dodgers’ depth has been tested this season, but the absence of Edman presents a specific challenge. Miguel Vargas was called upon to start at second base in Edman’s absence for the opener, with Mookie Betts remaining at shortstop. While Vargas has shown promise at the plate and is no stranger to high-leverage situations, Edman’s glove and range are difficult to replicate.
One of the key components that makes Edman so valuable is his ability to impact a game in multiple ways. Offensively, he’s a contact hitter with above-average speed, allowing him to pressure defenses with his legs. On the basepaths, he’s aggressive but intelligent, often turning singles into scoring opportunities. Defensively, he’s one of the most fundamentally sound players on the Dodgers’ roster. His absence forces the Dodgers to not only move pieces around but also consider how it affects the pitching staff, which relies on solid infield defense to maintain efficiency.
For the Dodgers, the timing of Edman’s injury couldn’t be more inconvenient. They’re currently engaged in a stretch that features a slate of playoff-caliber opponents, with the Braves being perhaps the toughest test. Atlanta, led by a potent lineup featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, presents an offensive threat that demands defensive precision. Every out matters when facing a team like the Braves, and missing a key defensive stalwart like Edman can have ripple effects beyond just one position.
The Dodgers’ medical staff has been proactive with Edman, opting for treatment and rest rather than risking further aggravation of the ankle. “We’re doing everything we can to get him back out there,” Roberts added. “He’s doing treatments multiple times a day. The goal is to have him ready at some point in this series, but we’re not going to rush it.”
Edman himself has been frustrated by the setback. Known for his durability and competitiveness, he has rarely missed time in recent seasons. “It’s tough sitting and watching,” Edman said briefly from the dugout. “But I know it’s the right move. I just have to trust the process.”
The Dodgers entered the series with a strong record, buoyed by the stellar play of Shohei Ohtani and the consistently elite performances from Betts and Freddie Freeman. However, the lineup hasn’t been immune to slumps, and Edman’s absence removes a reliable at-bat from the lower half of the order. While not a power hitter, Edman’s ability to flip the lineup with singles and stolen bases plays an important role in extending innings and applying pressure.
Atlanta took full advantage of his absence in the opener, squeezing an early lead off Dodgers starter Gavin Stone, who labored through the first two innings. A misplay by Vargas in the second frame led to an unearned run, prompting some fans to speculate whether Edman would’ve made the play. While such speculation is unfair to Vargas, it does underscore how much Edman’s steadiness is valued on the field.
Throughout the clubhouse, teammates expressed support for Edman and confidence in the players stepping into his shoes. “We’ve got depth, that’s the beauty of this team,” said Freeman. “But there’s no question Tommy is one of the guys who makes us better in all areas. We want him healthy. That’s the bottom line.”
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how quickly Edman can return and whether the Dodgers can maintain their sharpness without him. The team’s athletic trainers will reassess him daily, with Roberts leaving the door open for a return in Game 2 or Game 3, depending on how the ankle responds.
Even in his absence, Edman remains a leader in the clubhouse, helping to guide younger players like Vargas and Michael Busch. “Tommy’s always talking to us, pointing out little things,” Vargas said. “He’s a great teammate and we’re trying to hold it down until he’s back.”
The Dodgers have weathered injury storms in the past—last season’s carousel of pitching injuries comes to mind—but each case presents new variables. Edman’s role as both a veteran and a Swiss Army knife player heightens the impact of his injury. How they adapt over the next few days could determine whether they leave Atlanta with a series win or go home licking their wounds.
For now, fans and coaches alike will hope that Edman’s ankle heals without setbacks. The team needs his presence—not just for what he brings on the field, but for the balance and stability he provides to the broader roster equation.
The Braves, meanwhile, showed no signs of letting up, pressing their home-field advantage and capitalizing on early opportunities. The battle between these two National League powerhouses is expected to stretch across the series and potentially preview what’s to come in October. But for the Dodgers, winning the long game may hinge on having players like Edman healthy and active when the stakes are at their highest.
Until then, patience and cautious optimism will be the Dodgers’ approach. The club has shown that it can still win games in different ways, and while Edman’s absence is certainly felt, the goal is ensuring that when he returns, he can stay on the field for the long haul. After all, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And Tommy Edman—sore ankle and all—remains a key runner in that race.
