LOS ANGELES — In sad but not entirely unexpected news for Los Angeles Dodgers fans, the team has officially confirmed that versatile shooter Tommy Edman will not be ready for the 2026 season opener as he is still recovering from ankle surgery performed this past winter. This decision, announced by the coaching staff on Monday, is having far-reaching consequences for the reigning World Series champions.

Manager Dave Roberts was blunt about Edman’s situation: although Edman has begun practicing his swing and light running, he is not yet fit enough in terms of fitness and motor control to play in the Opening Day — a game that is crucial for any MLB team.

This means the Dodgers will start the season without one of their most versatile players, capable of playing in multiple positions—second base, center field, or even third—a loss for many fans.

Edman, 30, has struggled with persistent ankle problems for several seasons, repeatedly being added to the injury list, which led the Dodgers to undergo surgery last November to repair ligaments and remove excess bone.

He told the press that his goal is “hopefully to have a full season,” but returning on Opening Day is clearly a “quite ambitious goal,” and he understands it’s difficult to achieve.

Roberts and the coaching staff emphasized that they will not rush Edman’s return, as the risk of re-injury could sideline him for an extended period throughout the season. Roberts stated, “We’re looking at the long term — we don’t want any relapse or relapse,” leaving many fans feeling both worried and sympathetic.

In his statement, Edman acknowledged that Opening Day might be too soon, but he is still following the team’s recovery plan and “things are going according to schedule.”

Edman’s versatility over the past two seasons has made him a strategic investment for the Dodgers, especially considering he replaced Andy Pages at center field in last season’s World Series and played solidly infield.

With Edman absent, the Dodgers will need to find ways to rotate their lineup and locker room to fill the void. Potential candidates to fill his role include:

Kiké Hernández – a reliable utility option if he is fit.

Hyeseong Kim – who could be given more time at center or second base.

Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland are other names in the race for an infield spot.

The Dodgers could employ a platoon at second base and use a flexible lineup to mitigate Edman’s absence — but clearly, the team won’t have the “ammunition” initially planned for Opening Day.

Without Edman, the Dodgers lose a player who excels in multiple positions and is a switch-hitter capable of fighting for both right-handed and left-handed balls. This forces Roberts and management to adjust their offensive and defensive strategies from the start of the season.

Options like Kim — who had impressive spells at Triple-A and is known for his versatility — are seen as a way for the Dodgers to adapt in the early part of the season as Edman continues his recovery.

Dodger fans quickly expressed diverse opinions on social media:

Some expressed regret at not seeing Edman in the Opening Day lineup.

Many are encouraging Edman to fully recover for a long season.

There are also opinions suggesting this is an opportunity for other players to prove themselves.

One fan on Reddit wrote: “Sad that Edman missed Opening Day, but if it helps him come back stronger for the season, then it’s worth it.”

Currently, Edman is still on his post-surgery rehabilitation program and has started practicing his swing and light running. This progress shows he is on the right track, although not yet ready for the opening season.

Further progress in training, including running at full speed and tackling more strenuous exercises, will be crucial in determining when he can rejoin the starting lineup.

Tommy Edman’s absence from Opening Day due to what seemed like a minor injury turned out to be one of the biggest shocks of the year for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

However, the Dodgers remain a team with depth and ambition, with tactical rotation plans and the confidence they can compensate for Edman’s absence in the early stages.

With what they demonstrated last season and the coaching staff’s extensive experience, the Dodgers can turn this challenge into an opportunity to shine — and capture MLB attention right from Opening Day.

Edman will be back, but the Dodgers need to make a splash now!