LOS ANGELES — Three games into his 2026 season and Tommy Edman feels like he’s been with the Dodgers the whole time.
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The veteran utility player is 5-for-12 with a walk since returning from offseason ankle surgery, a lingering ailment that twice landed Edman on the injured list last season.
“I feel good now,” Edman said. “I feel ready, feel like I’m in pretty good midseason form.”
The goal was originally for Edman to return in time for spring training, but the recovery took longer than expected. The 31-year-old didn’t make his season debut until Wednesday against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, going hitless in three at-bats in the 5-4 win.
After a team day off on Thursday, Edman went 3-for-5 with a double in a 6-5 win against the visiting Baltimore Orioles in the series opener on Friday night, and then went 2-for-4 in a 3-2 loss on Saturday.
Edman gives the Dodgers plenty of flexibility because he can play second, third and shortstop, and all three outfield positions. He’s also one of two switch hitters on the team.
“He’s a dependable player, takes good at-bats and made a really good play (Saturday) in the first inning at third base,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Can play him out there in left field, second base, and then just (hitting) left-right. He’s been good.”
The plan was to ease Edman back into a full-time role, so he was given the day off in the series finale on Sunday, but Roberts said Edman will be back in the lineup when the Dodgers open a nine-game road trip at the Minnesota Twins on Monday.
Edman said the biggest challenge was missing spring training and all the repetitions. He prepared as best he could in a shorter amount of time and felt good enough to stay in the lineup on Sunday, but the 2024 National League Championship Series MVP understood the decision.
“As most baseball players, I push myself past what I’m ready for,” Edman said. “So, they’re just making sure I’m really staying within my limits and good to go for the rest of the year.”
McDERMOTT CHECKS IN
Chayce McDermott has the newest locker for the Dodgers after he was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday to replace fellow relief pitcher Blake Treinen, who went on the IL with elbow inflammation.
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McDermott was informed of his recall while on a walk with his daughter and his dog.
“I’m excited to be here,” he said. “It’s always exciting to be back in the big leagues.”
It’s the second call-up this season for McDermott, who threw a scoreless inning of relief on May 17 in a 10-1 win against the Angels.
He previously made five appearances over the past two seasons for the Orioles, including two starts.
Originally a fourth-round pick of the Houston Astros in 2021, McDermott showed promise in 2023, when he compiled a 3.10 ERA split between Double-A and Triple-A and averaged nearly 12 strikeouts per nine innings.
Baltimore traded him to the Dodgers in April for 20-year-old right-handed prospect Axel Perez.
McDermott hopes to get a chance to show his competitive level to the Dodgers.
“Obviously a very good team, back-to-back World Series champions, so you’ve got to compete every time you’re up here,” he said. “That’s my main thing.”
INJURY UPDATES
Roberts said Treinen’s MRI on his elbow showed no structural damage, just inflammation, catcher Will Smith (neck) will not travel on the upcoming trip, but it’s hoped he can begin baseball activities next week, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández (hamstring) will head to Oklahoma City on Monday for a rehab assignment. Hernandez could return against the A’s in West Sacramento at the end of the trip.
UP NEXTDodgers (LHP Eric Lauer, 2-5, 5.37 ERA) at Twins (RHP Zebby Matthews, 3-4, 4.78) Monday, 4:40 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM
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