Dodgers Face Injuries as Edman and Pitching Staff Struggle

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with multiple injuries this season as they aim to become baseball’s first repeat champions in 25 years. One key player, 2024 NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, has struggled since returning from the injured list. He is currently batting just .148, significantly down from a .252 average before his injury.

Manager Dave Roberts provided insight into Edman’s difficulties. In a recent statement, Roberts noted, “Even a little bit before he went on the IL, I think he wasn’t particularly in a good spot. I think there’s certainly a lot more chase below from Tommy.” He acknowledged that Edman might need to refine his mechanics to regain his previous performance level.

Before his stint on the injured list, Edman recorded a slash line of .211/.273/.421 over 10 games, with an OPS of .694. Despite ranking in the 88th percentile for hits at the optimal launch angle, his hard-hit percentage is below average, with only 42.7 percent of his hits exceeding 95 mph.

<p“I think it’s swing mechanics. I don’t think it’s the health part,” Roberts said, expressing confidence in Edman’s physical condition. The team intends to work with Edman to help him reclaim his early-season effectiveness, when he was performing as one of the league’s top hitters.

In another development, the Dodgers recently acquired All-Star closer Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds following a key reliever’s move to the 60-day injured list. This trade is part of an effort to improve their struggling pitching staff, which has faced its own set of challenges this year.

The Dodgers also noted that a right-handed reliever who pitched with the team earlier this month has decided to leave and will enter free agency after being designated for assignment.