It wasn’t too long ago that Tommy Edman was on the field the moment the Dodgers won the World Series for the second consecutive year. Last October, he was playing a crucial part as a utility player for the Dodgers. By November, he was in surgery, a long-overdue treatment for a niggling ankle injury.

Now, after 74 games out he has returned from the 60-day injured list, and made his debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. Given his ability to act as a swiss army knife, playing both infield and outfield, his return is a massive boost to the Dodger’s chances at a legendary World Series three-peat.

Edman’s two years of injuries come to an end

Edman sprained his right ankle on rehab assignment with the Cardinals and was already on the injured list when the trade that brought him to Los Angeles was completed. He recovered, stayed healthy through the postseason, won NLCS MVP, and everyone assumed that was that. 

In 2025, the same ankle sent him to the IL twice, first in early May, then again in August. He spent most of the year restricted to second base. In the postseason, he still contributed two home runs and eight RBIs in 16 games as Los Angeles won back-to-back titles, but the ankle had clearly never fully healed. 

After the World Series, Edman went under the knife, repairing a ligament in his ankle and removing bone spurs that were causing the recurring injury. Edman spent a significant amount of time out after the surgery, returning to action with a rehab game with Triple-A Oklahoma City in May, and now to full-time action with the Dodgers as of June 16th.

What his return means for the Dodgers

Tommy Edman’s versatility is a huge boost for the Dodgers, and will boost their chances of winning the World Series for a third consecutive time, and the chances of Canadian Freddie Freeman capturing a fourth World Series championship. If Canadian fans want to bet on the World Series, they can use this Stake promo code for Canadian users from GOAL.

The Dodgers have had to be careful about overloading their infield positions, and Edman’s ability to play second and third base, along with left and center field, alleviates some of the pressure on other players with Andy Pages.

His versatility will bring real value come playoff time. The Dodgers can carry a slightly shorter bench, or use a roster spot elsewhere, because Edman effectively functions as multiple players. They also get back a switch-hitter who was the NLCS MVP two years ago and has shown he can perform when the stakes are highest. 

His value to the team, especially come playoff time, shows why the Dodgers have been so careful bringing Edman back. It’s been over half a year since he undertook surgery, and the Dodgers allowed him a full recovery window to hopefully quash his ankle injuries for good, ensuring he is fully fit and firing when playoff time comes around.