TOMMY EDMAN’S 2026 SEASON DEBUT DELAYED: RECOVERY TIMELINE EXTENDED TO LATE MAY

Tommy Edman has yet to make his 2026 season debut as he continues to recover from surgery that repaired a lingering right ankle injury. The 30-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers infielder underwent a procedure to repair the ligament and remove a bone spur in the offseason, an injury that had been troubling him throughout the 2025 campaign. While Edman’s return has been anticipated, recent updates have clarified that his comeback to the field will be delayed longer than originally expected.

Dave Roberts Provides Update on Edman’s Recovery Progress

In a report shared by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered some insight into Edman’s current recovery status. According to Roberts, Edman is not expected to return to action until approximately late May. The delay has raised some questions, as Edman has not yet been able to run at full speed, and he appears to be behind teammate Kiké Hernández in terms of recovery.

Roberts noted, “He’s looking at a ‘late, end of May’ timeline for Tommy Edman. Still not running at full speed. Edman is behind Kiké Hernández in terms of build-up.” This suggests that while Edman is progressing, he still has some ways to go before he’s fully ready for game action.

Edman Still Getting Work In at the Plate

Despite his struggles to regain full mobility on the field, there is a silver lining: Edman is still getting work in at the plate. While he is not running at full speed yet, Edman was reportedly one of the live batters that Blake Snell faced during his live bullpen session. This indicates that Edman is still involved in team activities, albeit in a limited capacity as he works his way back from the ankle injury.

Ardaya reports that Blake Snell, who is recovering from left shoulder fatigue, had Edman in the batter’s box during his first live bullpen session, suggesting that Edman is able to participate in light batting drills despite his injury.

Edman’s 2025 Season Performance

When healthy, Edman has proven to be a reliable contributor to the Dodgers’ defense. In 2025, he played in 97 games, recording 78 hits, 13 home runs, and 49 RBIs while maintaining a .225 batting average and .274 OBP. His defensive prowess was a key asset for Los Angeles last season, and the team is hopeful that his return will bolster both the infield defense and batting lineup once he is fully recovered.

Rehab Assignment Before Activation

As May approaches, the Dodgers are likely to send Edman on a rehab assignment to ensure that he’s fully prepared to rejoin the team. This step is common for players coming off injury, as it provides an opportunity to build up stamina and get back into game shape before returning to the majors.

While the delay in Edman’s return is a setback for the Dodgers, they are confident that once he is fully healthy, he will be able to contribute significantly to the team’s success. As Edman continues his recovery, all eyes will be on his progress, with hopes high that he can make an impactful return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup by the end of May.