What I’m hearing plans for Shohei Ohtani’s workload, Tommy Edman’s return
The Los Angeles Dodgers are managing a series of high-profile injury recoveries, including Tommy Edman’s return from offseason ankle surgery and Shohei Ohtani’s recovery from left knee inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday that Edman will be activated from the 60-day injured list ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, ending a rehabilitation process that lasted more than six months.
How is Tommy Edman’s ankle recovery being managed?
Edman will return to the active roster Tuesday but will not start. He is expected to make his season debut Wednesday, according to Roberts. The team plans to limit his usage to three or four starts per week to ensure a sustainable return.
This recovery follows a long history of issues with Edman’s right ankle, which he sprained nearly two years ago during a rehab assignment with the St. Louis Cardinals. Roberts stated that surgery was important to get the “nagging” issues behind the player.
What is the status of Shohei Ohtani’s knee inflammation?
Shohei Ohtani is recovering from left knee inflammation that caused him to miss a game on Friday. Ohtani told team interpreter Will Ireton he feels “pretty confident” the inflammation will soon resolve. He returned to the lineup Saturday and recorded a home run.
The team is utilizing a cautious approach to his pitching return. Ohtani threw long toss Monday and is scheduled for a “touch and feel” bullpen session Tuesday. He is currently slated to start Wednesday, though this may change depending on how he feels Tuesday.
Which other players are undergoing rehabilitation?
Teoscar Hernández is recovering from a Grade-1 hamstring strain suffered on May 27. Roberts noted that strength and speed are trending upward, and Hernández could begin a rehab assignment as early as this weekend. The team is prioritizing his swing mechanics to avoid the issues he faced last season.
Edwin Díaz is recovering from mid-April elbow surgery to remove a bone chip. He threw five pitches off a mound Monday and will throw his first bullpen session later this week. A return is likely in the second half of the season, though it is unlikely to happen before the All-Star break.
Additionally, Evan Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery and has completed four rehab starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Brock Stewart is scheduled for his third rehab start with Class-A Ontario. Both pitchers could potentially rejoin the Dodgers by the end of the month.
What happens next for the Dodgers’ rotation?
The rotation may be restructured based on Ohtani’s knee health. If Ohtani cannot start Wednesday, River Ryan could be available for a spot start from Triple-A. Ryan is recovering from a minor hamstring injury and has logged six innings in two of his last five starts.
If Ryan is called up, he would likely be under a pitch limit. The Dodgers intend to build his stamina and total innings in Triple-A to support his long-term development given his injury history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tommy Edman not starting immediately upon his return?
The Dodgers are being mindful of his usage following offseason ankle surgery and plan to start him only three to four times a week.
What is the recovery timeline for Edwin Díaz?
While there is no official timeline, the club has identified a return sometime in the second half of the season, following several required bullpen sessions and a rehab assignment.
How is Teoscar Hernández’s recovery different from last year?
Manager Dave Roberts stated the team will prioritize ensuring Hernández’s swing mechanics are fully recovered before returning to the lineup, rather than rushing him back.
How do you think professional teams should balance player recovery with the pressure of a competitive season?