Dodgers' Utility Star Edman to Miss Start of Season

Tommy Edman recovering from offseason ankle surgery, will begin 2026 on injured list

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that utility player Tommy Edman will not be ready for Opening Day next month due to a lingering ankle injury. Edman underwent offseason ankle surgery and is still recovering, with the team taking a cautious approach to his return.

Why it matters

Edman was a key contributor for the Dodgers over the past two seasons, providing versatility and production across multiple positions. His absence to start the year is a significant blow to the Dodgers' historically loaded roster as they chase another World Series title.

The details

Edman, who signed a five-year, $74 million deal with the Dodgers after the 2024 season, is still recovering from an ankle debridement procedure he underwent following the 2025 season. The ankle issue limited him to just 97 games last year, during which he hit .225/.274/.382 with 13 home runs - a far cry from his 6.2 WAR campaign with the Cardinals in 2022.

  • Edman underwent offseason ankle surgery after the 2025 season.
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Edman will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

The players

Tommy Edman

A utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and will miss the start of the 2026 season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brandon Gomes

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will likely turn to Andy Ibanez and Miguel Rojas to split reps at second base while Edman recovers, with young options like Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim competing for roster spots this spring.

The takeaway

Edman's absence to start the season is a significant blow for the Dodgers, who are chasing another World Series title with their historically loaded roster. The team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery, but his return in mid-to-late April could provide a major boost if he can regain his 2022 form.