Los Angeles Dodgers infield utility player Tommy Edman has lost his starting lineup spot during the postseason after a cold stretch.
Tommy Edman’s slump
Edman started the first two games of the NLDS at second base but struggled, going 0-for-5 with a walk.
As a result, manager Dave Roberts sat the 2024 NLCS MVP for Kike Hernandez in Game 3, and it paid off when Hernandez hit a two-run home run off Chris Sale to give the Dodgers a boost.
In Game 4, Roberts again sat Edman for Hernandez; in both games, he came in as a pinch hitter or runner and also substituted defensively.
However, in Game 1 of the NLCS, Edman sat again for Hernandez, despite being a switch-hitter and facing righty Jacob Misiorowski.
Edman did not get an at-bat in Game 1.
As a switch-hitter with some of the best speed left on a veteran-heavy roster, Edman can still play a role for the Dodgers if he can find his swing and approach again.
Edman’s new role
Manager Dave Roberts still believes Edman will factor into the plans, and the Dodgers will look for opportunities to insert him.
“Jacob’s really tough on left hand-hitters. Love Kike’s defense, and I feel like his ability to spoil pitches and get a big hit is there,” Roberts said.
“Tommy is still part of the big plan. I don’t know if it is tomorrow or if it’s game three, but he will get a start. We have to make sure we keep him in the fold.”
Edman certainly doesn’t lack positional flexibility, and the Dodgers can deploy him all over the field, but they don’t have confidence in his bat right now.
As a defensive substitute, Edman will always have a role, but he needs to get going at the plate to earn his everyday spot back during October.
At the very least, going down with a fight and seeing multiple pitches would help the team offensively. Edman has a history of delivering big-time hits; the offense certainly needs any kind of magic against a feisty Brewers team.
