Dave Roberts offers encouraging update on Tommy Edman’s injury status

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave some positive news on the return status of Tommy Edman. The 30-year-old infielder last played a game on April 29 but hasn't appeared since suffering an ankle injury.

Dave Roberts on Tommy Edman's return

Dave Roberts made it very clear that Edman won't be requiring rehab process due to his latest injury. Before his absence, Edman was considered as a reliable bats in an ailing lower half of the Dodgers lineup. He has been able to hit eight home runs, four doubles, a triple and two stolen bases while batting .252/.295/.523 with an OPS of .818.

Tommy Edman told me that his ankle is starting to feel "very good" and that he's working on getting past feeling any discomfort while rounding the bases. Dave Roberts said that Edman is close to returning and won't require a rehab stint. - Dave Roberts via Doug McKain

The good news for the fans is that Tommy Edman might be able to return as soon as the Freeway Series or he might even start early next week against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With injuries to the likes of Edman and Teoscar Hernandez, the Dodgers had to call KBO star Hyeseong Kim from their Triple-A affiliate. Kim is also Tommy Edman's teammate back in the Korean international team, he has had a great start to his MLB career.

In 31 at-bats, Hyeseong Kim has hit five home runs and five RBIs on 14 base hits and three stolen bases to his name. He is also batting at .452/.485/.581 and 1.066.

Tommy Edman's return is nearing but that's not the case with Hernandez as he is dealing with a left groin strain. He will start his rehab process at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga starting today.

Tommy Edman's start to the MLB season

When Tommy Edman showed his class in the last season's NLCS, very few thought that he might replicate his heroics going in the new season. His career high in total season home runs is just 13. But, he came in hot as he surprised both his fans and critics. Till now, he has amassed eight home runs in 30 games this year.

While he has been out of action since April 29, his tally of eight home runs is tied at 35th highest among all MLB batters this season. As per Baseball Savant, Edman is within 91st-percentile in xwOBA, 95th percentile in xBA, 93rd percentile in xSLG and 92nd percentile in launch angle sweet-spot percentage this year.

He has rarely struck out and has been able to put the ball back into play with his 80th percentile whiff percentage and 87th percentile K-rate ranking.