GLENDALE, Ariz. — The news wasn’t unexpected, but it was now official.
On Monday morning at Camelback Ranch, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that second baseman Tommy Edman will open the season on the injured list, continuing his recovery from offseason ankle surgery.
“He took some swings a couple of days ago. Both sides. He did some skipping. Light jogging,” Roberts said. “He’s not going to be ready for the start of camp. Tommy certainly won’t be ready for Opening Day.”
Edman is progressing — he’s swinging the bat, moving around, and trending in the right direction — but the Dodgers are resisting any temptation to accelerate the timeline. Roberts described the club’s approach as “methodical” and focused on “the long view.”
That long view matters.
Edman’s value isn’t just in April. It’s in October flexibility, defensive versatility and matchup optionality. The Dodgers know exactly what he provides when healthy — a steady glove, positional flexibility and enough pop to change a game. Even in a down offensive season by his standards in 2025, Edman hit .225/.274/.382 with a .656 OPS, tying his career high with 13 home runs and driving in 49 runs. It wasn’t dominant production, but it was steady — and paired with his defense, it played.
Now the question shifts from Edman’s timeline to how the Dodgers patch the opening. Roberts didn’t hesitate when asked about the alternatives.
“Hyeseong Kim is in the mix, Miggy Ro, Alex Freeland.”
That trio gives the Dodgers varying skill sets — and varying levels of opportunity. Hyeseong Kim appears positioned for the largest opportunity.
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim (6) fields the ball during spring training camp.
In his second year with the Dodgers, Kim brings speed and defensive range — traits that immediately differentiate him from the other options. Roberts indicated Kim will not only factor at second base, but also see time in center field.
“Hyeseong is in the mix at second base,” Roberts said. “Hyeseong is going to play some center field, because I want to get him some at-bats. I expect that he’s going to have more opportunities this year.”
That’s notable. Behind Andy Pages, the Dodgers’ center-field depth is thin. Giving Kim reps there serves two purposes: it keeps his bat in the lineup and expands his pathway to playing time even after Edman returns. This spring feels less like a cameo and more like an audition for everyday relevance.
Then there’s Miguel Rojas — “Miggy Ro” — the veteran presence.
At 36, Rojas understands his role. He hit .262 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs across. He remains one of the club’s most respected clubhouse voices and, yes, its postseason hero from last October. Rojas has said this will likely be his final season. He knows how to handle moments — and how to handle April.
Roberts acknowledged that Kim and Alex Freeland are essentially competing for similar roles, meaning roster math will dictate usage patterns early. And when Edman returns — presumably healthier and stronger — he can slide back into a role that doesn’t require him to carry the infield from Day 1.