by Megan Garcia
His chance to play has been prolonged, but Tommy Edman isn’t losing another minute from competing.
When he was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman last played in a game in October. He yearned to play but wrist surgery and a sprained ankle didn’t allow it.
He spent another month on the injured list before he was finally activated to debut for the Dodgers in August. In 21 games since then, Edman has earned the trust and confidence to be a difference-maker because of his quality of at-bats from both sides of the plate.
In two games against the Cubs, he proved he is that type of player.
Edman clubbed two home runs on Wednesday in the Dodgers’ 10–8 win just one day after launching two long balls in a game. But in the series finale, Edman hit a home run from each side of the plate for the first time in his career.
https://medium.com/media/ed645354ad625d99aae5998a506d152a/href
“I think the thing that’s probably most impressive is we’re not used to having many switch hitters in our lineup, and for him to have no drop off really makes it tough for opponents to navigate our lineup,” Roberts said. “He gives a quality at-bat every time up there. He can get a base hit, he values the walk and obviously he shows he can drive the ball out of the ballpark.”
Edman connected on a changeup from Jordan Wicks and sent it 374 feet to left field from the right side of the plate in the first inning. Then, in the eighth with the Dodgers leading by one run, Edman hit a two-run homer off reliever Trey Wingerter from the left side of the plate.
“I’m working on a couple of different things from each side of the plate,” Edman said. “But I think I’m doing a good job of becoming more consistent from each side.”
During Tuesday’s loss against the Cubs, Edman hit two home runs while going 2-for-4 from the №4 spot in the lineup.
https://medium.com/media/9bc27048c631d4f739df4bc87eb94c0a/href
The switch-hitter previously had three multi-homer games in his career before joining the Dodgers. Now he has two in Los Angeles.
His impact has been felt in the lineup, especially in one that requires depth and versatility from any spot. Edman is grateful he’s making a difference so quickly with his new team at this point in the season.
“It’s a huge blessing to be back on the field. I didn’t really know what my season would look like,” Edman said. “To get traded here in the thick of a playoff race and to be able to contribute like this it’s a huge blessing.”
Glasnow Injury Update
Tyler Glasnow will pitch in a simulated game on Friday while the team is in Atlanta. The right-hander threw in a bullpen session on Tuesday where he used all his pitches.
Glasnow has a 3.49 ERA through 22 starts in a career-high 134 innings this season before being placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow tendinitis on Aug. 16. His return to the starting rotation would bring leverage to a staff that is regaining strength.
Where They Stand
The Dodgers’ (87–59) lead in the National League West increased to five games over the San Diego Padres (82–65) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (82–64).
Tommy Edman brings power and versatility for the Dodgers was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.