Los Angeles Dodgers Injury Updates: Edman’s Return, Sasaki’s Path, and the Final Stretch

As the Los Angeles Dodgers charge into the final stretch of the regular season, the health of their roster becomes paramount. With a commanding lead in the NL West and an eye on the postseason, every roster move and injury update is scrutinized. The past week has brought significant news on the injury front, most notably with the return of versatile infielder Tommy Edman to the lineup and the conclusion of rookie phenom Roki Sasaki’s rehab assignment. These developments not only provide immediate boosts to the team but also shape the strategic decisions that will define their postseason roster. The Dodgers, known for their depth and careful player management, are navigating these final weeks with a clear vision, aiming to be at full strength when it matters most.

The Return of Tommy Edman: A Postseason Puzzle Piece

Tommy Edman’s return from his second stint on the injured list this season is a major win for the Dodgers. The 30-year-old utility man, who was nursing a sprained right ankle, was activated just in time for the team’s recent series finale against the Colorado Rockies. His return signifies the most complete position-player group the Dodgers have had in quite some time, and it immediately allowed manager Dave Roberts to shake up the defensive alignment. In a corresponding move, outfielder Justin Dean was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a logical move given Edman’s ability to fill multiple defensive roles.

Edman’s role in the lineup is fluid but crucial. In his first game back, he started in center field, shifting Andy Pages to left and keeping Teoscar Hernández in right. This alignment is expected to be the Dodgers’ go-to defensive look against left-handed starting pitchers. While Edman is a switch-hitter, his on-base plus slugging percentage (.737 OPS) against lefties this season is significantly better than his numbers against righties (.647 OPS). This platoon advantage, combined with his Gold Glove-caliber defense, makes him an indispensable piece of the puzzle.

His return also highlights the team’s commitment to prioritizing health for the postseason. Edman’s ankle has been a nagging issue all year, first aggravated in late April. After his initial return, his offensive production dropped significantly. His slash line of .252/.295/.523 in 30 games before the first IL stint fell to .214/.273/.323 in the 56 games that followed. This second trip to the IL in early August was intended to allow the ankle to fully heal, and the Dodgers are confident it has. The team will be monitoring his response in the early days, but the plan is to utilize him heavily, particularly in center field, a position that may be less taxing on his ankle for the time being compared to the lateral movements required at second base. However, he is expected to see time at both positions as the team ramps him up.

The ripple effect of Edman’s return is felt throughout the roster. With both him and Max Muncy recently returning from injury, the Dodgers now have a glut of options at second and third base, which could affect rookie Hyeseong Kim’s regular playing time. While Kim has shown flashes, his performance has been inconsistent, and Edman’s superior defense and veteran presence are a more reliable option for a team with championship aspirations. The move also impacts the outfield, potentially solidifying the defensive alignment for the final push.

Edman’s value goes beyond his offensive and defensive numbers. As a key contributor to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, where he earned NLCS MVP honors, he brings a veteran poise and postseason experience that is invaluable. His ability to play multiple positions—primarily second base and shortstop throughout his career, but also significant time in center field and at third—gives manager Dave Roberts immense flexibility. This is a manager’s dream, and it allows the Dodgers to construct their best possible lineup against any opponent. The final weeks of the regular season will serve as a crucial test to determine how best to deploy Edman in a playoff environment.

The Roki Sasaki Conundrum: A Question of Timing and Role

While Tommy Edman’s return is a straightforward positive, the situation with Roki Sasaki is far more complex and a central topic of discussion among Dodgers faithful. The 23-year-old rookie phenom, who joined the Dodgers on a minor league contract after a dominant career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), has finished his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. However, the path back to the big league club is not guaranteed and is filled with questions about his performance, his health, and his potential role.

Sasaki has been on the injured list since mid-May with a right shoulder impingement, an injury that twice shut him down from throwing. His rehab assignment has been a mixed bag of results. While he recently posted his most promising start, hitting triple digits on the radar gun and generating a season-high 16 whiffs in a rehab outing, his overall numbers for the assignment are a cause for concern. Through five starts in the minors, he holds a disappointing 7.07 ERA. In his most recent outing, while he showed improved velocity, he still allowed three runs on three hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings, with his command faltering in the fifth inning after four scoreless frames.

The performance issues in the minors follow a shaky start to his Major League career. In eight starts for the Dodgers before his injury, Sasaki posted a 4.72 ERA and struggled to generate the same level of swing-and-miss he was known for in NPB. His fastball velocity, a key component of his success, also saw a noticeable drop from the 99-100 mph range to the mid-90s, a trend that continued in his early rehab starts. The recent uptick in velocity is a positive sign, but it’s a single data point in a long and tumultuous season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been candid about his expectations for Sasaki. He has publicly stated that he needs to see Sasaki “dominate Minor League competition” and has expressed his surprise at the rookie’s struggles. With the team in a heated playoff race and a crowded starting rotation, there is no immediate opening for Sasaki. The six-man rotation of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Emmet Sheehan has been pitching exceptionally well. The Dodgers have made it clear that they will go with their “best guys” for the postseason, and Sasaki has yet to prove he is among them.

With his 30-day rehab window expiring, the Dodgers have a decision to make. Sasaki has flown back to Los Angeles to meet with team officials to discuss his next steps. The most plausible path for a return to the big league club would be in the bullpen, likely in a long relief role. If he can reliably hit the upper 90s in short bursts, he could become a valuable weapon for a bullpen in need of a few more reliable arms. However, he would need to get into a few big league games before the end of the regular season to be considered for the postseason roster. The clock is ticking.

There’s a significant difference between a rehab assignment and a regular-season game in a playoff race. While the goal of the rehab is to get healthy, Roberts and the front office need to see results. The talent is undeniable; Sasaki holds the NPB record for most strikeouts in a single game with 19. The Dodgers have invested in his potential for the long term, and his debut season has been a learning process for both player and team. The question now is whether he can make an impact in 2025 or if the team will have to wait until 2026 to see the dominant pitcher they envisioned.

Broader Injury Picture: Depth and the Road to October

Beyond Edman and Sasaki, the Dodgers’ injury list is relatively light on key position players as they head into the final weeks. Rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, who suffered a shin contusion, is expected to be reinstated soon. Meanwhile, Brusdar Graterol, who has been sidelined with a right shoulder injury, is progressing through his throwing program in Arizona. The team is proceeding as if he will not return for the regular season but has not ruled him out for a potential postseason appearance. These updates, while less high-profile, are critical for maintaining the depth and flexibility needed for a deep playoff run.

The Dodgers’ ability to weather injuries to key players throughout the season is a testament to the organizational depth and “next man up” mentality. They have used a rotating cast of characters to fill in for absent stars, and in many cases, players like Andy Pages have flourished with the increased opportunity. The return of veterans like Edman and Muncy, coupled with the impressive performance of the existing roster, puts the Dodgers in an enviable position.

The final weeks of the season will be about more than just securing their division title. They will be about fine-tuning the roster, finding the best possible alignment, and getting key contributors like Edman and, potentially, Sasaki into a rhythm. The strategic decisions made now will have a direct impact on the team’s postseason chances. Manager Dave Roberts has a lot of pieces to work with, and the challenge lies in putting them together in the most effective way possible to bring home another World Series title. The road ahead is clear, and the Dodgers are looking healthier and more prepared than they have been all season.

Final Thoughts on the Postseason Roster

The roster decisions for the postseason will be a high-stakes balancing act for the Dodgers’ front office. On the position-player side, the return of Edman provides exceptional versatility and a needed boost against left-handed pitching. The team can now deploy a more optimal defensive alignment, a critical factor in close playoff games. The biggest question mark on offense is how to manage the playing time of the newly healthy veterans alongside the rookies who have stepped up.

On the pitching side, the situation is more complex. The starting rotation is set and has been performing at a high level. This leaves little room for a pitcher like Sasaki to make an immediate impact as a starter. His best chance to contribute would be in the bullpen, a role that would be a significant transition for a pitcher who has been a starter his entire career. The Dodgers must decide if the risk of bringing him up and having him adjust to a new role in a high-leverage situation is worth the potential reward of his high-upside stuff. Given the performance of the current bullpen, they may opt for a more proven, reliable option.

Ultimately, the Dodgers have a wealth of talent and options. The return of Edman makes the team stronger and more flexible. The situation with Sasaki is a fascinating subplot that highlights the long-term vision of the organization. As the calendar turns to October, the Dodgers will be looking to their deep roster to power them through the postseason, and the health of their key players will be a deciding factor.