Dodgers' Tommy Edman Out for Opening Day: Ankle Surgery Recovery Update

Reliever Evan Phillips also working his way back from Tommy John surgery

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:16am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with their body and the field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The Dodgers' cautious approach to injuries could impact their early-season momentum, but prioritizes long-term health and resilience.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman will not be ready for the team's Opening Day game against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to an ankle surgery he underwent in the offseason. Edman is taking a deliberate approach to his recovery, with manager Dave Roberts emphasizing the importance of patience. Meanwhile, reliever Evan Phillips is also working his way back from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return mid-season.

Why it matters

The Dodgers will be without two key players to start the season, which could impact their momentum and performance early on. However, the team is prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return, which could pay dividends later in the season.

The details

Edman, who played 97 games for the Dodgers in 2025, underwent ankle surgery during the offseason and has been limited in spring training. Roberts said the team is 'not going to rush it' and wants to 'put him in the best position.' Edman echoed this sentiment, saying everything has gone 'exactly on-schedule' as he manages swelling and gradually increases his workload. Meanwhile, reliever Evan Phillips, who re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return mid-season.

  • Dodgers players reported to spring training on Monday, March 25, 2026.
  • Opening Day for the Dodgers is scheduled for March 26, 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • Evan Phillips is expected to return to the Dodgers' mound mid-season in 2026.

The players

Tommy Edman

A 30-year-old second baseman and utilityman for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is recovering from ankle surgery and will not be ready for Opening Day.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who emphasized the importance of patience in Edman's recovery.

Evan Phillips

A reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers who re-signed with the team on a one-year contract and is recovering from Tommy John surgery, expected to return mid-season.

Brandon Gomes

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who anticipates Evan Phillips' return mid-season.

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What they’re saying

“We're not going to rush it. We want to put him in the best position.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“Everything has gone exactly on-schedule. We're managing the swelling and gradually increasing the workload.”

— Tommy Edman

“It feels like I never left.”

— Evan Phillips, Reliever, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Edman's recovery and gradually increase his workload, with the goal of having him back in the lineup as soon as possible. Phillips will also continue his progression towards a mid-season return to the Dodgers' bullpen.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' cautious approach with Edman and Phillips, while frustrating for some fans, underscores the team's commitment to long-term health and avoiding setbacks. This strategy could pay dividends later in the season, but it also risks the team starting the year shorthanded and potentially losing momentum early on.