Dodgers' Tommy Edman to Miss Opening Day with Ankle Injury

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts rules out Edman for start of 2026 season

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that infielder Tommy Edman will start the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list as he continues to recover from right ankle surgery. Edman has dealt with ankle issues since the 2024 season and underwent a procedure in November 2025 to repair a ligament and remove bone spurs.

Why it matters

Edman was expected to be a key contributor for the Dodgers in 2026 after being acquired in a trade in 2024. His absence to start the season is a setback for the team as they look to build on their 2025 championship run.

The details

Edman first injured his ankle in 2024 and has dealt with multiple IL stints due to the issue. He tweaked the ankle again last season and ultimately underwent surgery in the offseason. While Edman has started baseball activities, he still needs to clear the final hurdle of being able to accelerate and run at full speed before returning to game action.

  • Edman underwent ankle surgery in mid-November 2025.
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ruled out Edman for Opening Day on February 16, 2026.

The players

Tommy Edman

An infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is recovering from right ankle surgery and will miss the start of the 2026 season.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who announced that Edman will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“Last year and the past couple years, the hardest thing was stealing bases and accelerating, because of how much range of motion you need your ankle and the force you need to produce to accelerate. So that will probably be one of the last checkpoints I need to hit, is making sure I can really accelerate the way that I need to.”

— Tommy Edman (SI.com)

What’s next

Edman will need to clear the final hurdle of being able to run and accelerate at full speed before being activated from the injured list.

The takeaway

Edman's ongoing ankle issues have been a persistent problem, and the Dodgers will have to find a way to fill his production at the start of the 2026 season as he continues his recovery.