BREAKING: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Offers Encouraging Injury Update on Red-Hot Infielder Tommy Edman

In a development that has brought relief to Los Angeles Dodgers fans, manager Dave Roberts shared an optimistic update on the health status of star utility player Tommy Edman, who suffered an ankle issue during a recent game. The news, reported on May 1, 2025, follows Edman’s absence from the Dodgers’ 12-7 victory over the Miami Marlins on April 30, where the 2024 NLCS MVP was sidelined due to a right ankle sprain. With the Dodgers riding a five-game winning streak and leading the NL West with a 21-10 record, Edman’s imminent return is critical to sustaining their momentum toward defending their World Series title.

A Scare at a Crucial Moment

Tommy Edman, 29, has become an indispensable asset for the Dodgers since being acquired in a three-team trade with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox in July 2024. His versatility across the field, playing shortstop, second base, third base, and outfield, combined with his timely hitting, earned him the 2024 NLCS MVP honors, where he batted .407 with a home run and 11 RBIs in the postseason. In the 2025 season, Edman has been on fire, hitting .333 with six home runs, 24 RBIs, and a .934 OPS in 15 games, tying for eighth in MLB in RBIs, per ClutchPoints.

The injury scare occurred during the Dodgers’ 15-2 rout of the Marlins on April 29, when Edman twisted his right ankle, possibly while sliding or running the bases in the sixth inning, according to Bleacher Report. Though he finished the game, the discomfort persisted, leading to his absence on April 30, a decision Roberts described as precautionary. “I’m not sure if it was sliding last night or running the bases, but it was something in the right foot, the ankle,” Roberts told reporters, per Jack Harris of Los Angeles Times (cited by Benjamin Royer). “He’s day-to-day.”

Roberts injected optimism, indicating Edman could return for the series opener against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, May 2, or at the latest, Saturday, May 3. “If he doesn’t play Friday, he’ll probably be in the lineup Saturday when we visit Atlanta,” the manager said, per Yardbarker. With an off-day on Thursday, the Dodgers are leveraging the break to ensure Edman is fully recovered, avoiding risks with one of their most valuable players.

Edman’s Impact on the Dodgers

Edman’s brief absence underscored his importance to the Dodgers, especially amidst a slew of injuries to their roster. The pitching rotation has been decimated by the absences of Tyler Glasnow (shoulder), Blake Snell (shoulder), and the ongoing recovery of Clayton Kershaw (shoulder), per MLB.com. Additionally, first baseman Freddie Freeman recently returned from the injured list on April 11 after an ankle sprain, while catcher Will Smith has been managing a bone bruise since last summer, according to Sports Illustrated.

Edman, acquired to bolster the team’s depth, has exceeded expectations. His .328 postseason batting average in 2024 and ability to cover multiple positions have eased the burden on players like Mookie Betts, who has toggled between shortstop and right field, and new signee Hyeseong Kim, who is still adjusting to MLB pitching, per Sports Illustrated. The ankle injury, though minor, highlighted Edman’s injury history, including wrist surgery in the 2024 offseason and a prior ankle issue that delayed his Dodgers debut until August, per ClutchPoints.

Roberts’ Update and Team Context

Roberts’ update is a relief for the Dodgers, who have navigated injuries with organizational depth, as seen with the recent return of former All-Star Tony Gonsolin, who threw six solid innings against the Marlins on April 30, per Dodgers Nation. The team’s ability to overcome a three-game losing streak and secure five straight wins, including a sweep of the Marlins, showcases their resilience, but the health of key players like Edman is vital for a grueling schedule that includes a 10-game, 10-day road trip against Atlanta, Miami, and Arizona, per MLB.com.

Roberts, who recently signed a contract extension after guiding the Dodgers to their eighth World Series title in 2024, has been praised for his injury management, per Yardbarker. His optimism about Edman mirrors his approach to other injuries this season, such as Glasnow’s (expected back April 27) and Bobby Miller’s (in concussion protocol after a February incident), per EssentiallySports and Dodgers Nation.

Fans voiced their excitement on X, with posts like @DodgersNation’s, “Tommy Edman is day-to-day, but Roberts says he could be back this weekend! 🙌,” and @DodgerInsider highlighting the team’s winning streak. The fanbase, eager to see Edman continue his hot streak, celebrated the news, with one user writing, “Edman’s our MVP! Need that fire back in Atlanta.”

Looking Ahead

Edman’s projected return this weekend is great news for the Dodgers, who face the Braves, an NL contender, in a series that could preview the playoffs. Edman’s versatility allows Roberts to experiment with lineups, potentially shifting Betts to right field and Kim to second base, depending on Kim’s progress, who has struggled offensively in the spring, per Sports Illustrated.

Edman’s health will be closely monitored, given his ankle injury history. However, his ability to hit .333 with power and defend multiple positions makes him a critical asset, especially for a team relying on depth to navigate a demanding schedule. With Gonsolin back, Freeman recovered, and starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto contending for the Cy Young, per Yardbarker, the Dodgers are well-positioned to maintain their NL dominance.

Dave Roberts’ encouraging update on Tommy Edman is a ray of hope for the Dodgers and their fans. As the team gears up for a pivotal road trip, the prospect of the “Swiss Army knife” returning ensures Los Angeles remains a formidable contender. With Edman poised to reignite Dodger Stadium with his timely hitting and elite defense, the defending champions are one step closer to solidifying their quest for another title.