Home / Sports / Dodgers' Second Base Battle Heats Up After Edman Injury
Dodgers' Second Base Battle Heats Up After Edman Injury
17 Feb
Summary
- Tommy Edman's ankle surgery sidelines him, impacting Opening Day.
- Rojas, Kim, Freeland, and Espinal vie for second base position.
- Kim and Freeland's development is crucial for the Dodgers' future.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' starting second baseman, Tommy Edman, will not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. Edman played through pain and limited mobility during the 2025 season. His absence opens up a competition for the starting role, featuring Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland, and new signing Santiago Espinal.
Kim, despite an early strong start in his MLB debut, faced injuries and a slump. Freeland emerged last season after infield injuries, showing improved hitting. Both are young players the Dodgers are invested in, making their battle for playing time significant. Rojas is expected to have a role but may be rested frequently in his final season, prioritizing younger players.
Espinal's performance in recent seasons with the Cincinnati Reds suggests he may serve as depth rather than a primary contender. The competition at second base, especially between Kim and Freeland, holds considerable implications for the Dodgers' strategy and success in the 2026 season and beyond.
