Dave Roberts Announces Reason for Tommy Edman's Removal From Dodgers Lineup

Tommy Edman Update Emerges Before Reds Game

Edman’s struggles during the regular season may have stemmed from injury, as he missed a substantial amount of time with a right ankle sprain. Although he’s active for the wild card round, he left Wednesday’s game early after the Dodgers took an early lead, replaced by Miguel Rojas. Edman’s absence loomed into Thursday, as he was absent from the starting lineup for Game 2.

With concerns mounting over Edman’s status, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced the reasoning behind his removal from the lineup was due to managing his ankle but also strategic, as Edman could be a weapon off the bench.

“Dave Roberts said Tommy Edman is not in the lineup today because of his nagging ankle injury, as well as the possibility the Reds could deploy Lodolo and Nick Martinez after Littell tonight,” wrote Michael Duarte of NBC LA.

As aforementioned, the Reds starting pitcher Zack Littell is a right-hander, and Edman’s numbers drop off against right-handed pitching despite being a switch hitter.

Edman batted just .230 with a .636 OPS during 230 at-bats in the regular season against right-handers. Nick Lodolo, one of Cincinnati’s most dominant left-handers, is expected to appear in the game in the later innings, and Edman could be reinserted into the lineup at any time.

The move to place Edman on the bench also gives him more time off his feet, as the Dodgers intend on making another deep postseason run and the club does not want to risk a reaggravation of his ankle.