The Los Angeles Dodgers’ hopes of opening the 2026 season with a fully healthy Tommy Edman appear increasingly uncertain.

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the club is expected to take a cautious approach with the versatile right-hander this spring as he continues rehabbing from offseason ankle surgery, raising the possibility that he could begin the year on the injured list.

Edman’s ankle issues have lingered longer than the Dodgers initially anticipated. After being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, Edman’s recovery stalled when he reaggravated the injury, keeping him sidelined into August.

The same ankle limited him throughout last season, restricting him to just 97 regular-season games before he was finally able to return at full strength for October.

Despite the inconsistency in availability, Edman showed signs of offensive growth when he was on the field. Before the injury disrupted his rhythm, he was tracking toward what could have been a career year at the plate.

He ultimately finished the season with a career-high 13 home runs and 49 RBIs, the latter marking the third-highest total of his career, reinforcing his importance to the Dodgers’ lineup when healthy.

The Dodgers’ offseason moves help soften the potential impact of Edman missing the start of the season. With the addition of Kyle Tucker and the expectation that Teoscar Hernández remains in the outfield mix, Andy Pages is lined up to serve as the club’s everyday center fielder.

That alignment allows Edman, once he returns, to focus primarily on second base, where his Gold Glove-caliber defense anchors the infield, while still retaining the ability to slide over to third base if needed.

In the meantime, Los Angeles has built in insurance. The signing of infielder Andy Ibáñez provides valuable flexibility, as the former Tiger has experience at multiple infield positions and can share second base duties with Miguel Rojas during Edman’s absence.

That depth should help the Dodgers avoid pressing Edman back into action prematurely.

Edman remains a significant part of the organization’s long-term outlook, with four years remaining on the five-year extension he signed last winter.

While a delayed start to the 2026 season would be disappointing, the Dodgers appear committed to prioritizing Edman’s health in hopes that this recovery finally puts the ankle issues behind him and allows him to contribute fully over the long haul.

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