Tommy Edman’s Hot Streak Inspires Dodgers Amid Shohei Ohtani Absence

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani hasn’t been in the lineup for three games now, but with how Tommy Edman is swinging the bat, you might not even notice.

Ohtani hasn’t pitched in months after suffering some inflammation in his knee, and his struggles have now taken him out of the lineup—testing the Dodgers’ lineup depth.

How Has Tommy Edman Performed in the Leadoff Spot?

Edman took over the leadoff spot for Ohtani beginning Thursday, and immediately ran with the opportunity. He went 4-for-5 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the Dodgers’ 3-2 win, scoring two runs in the process.

While he didn’t turn in another four-hit performance in Saturday’s win over the Washington Nationals, Edman’s sole hit of the game couldn’t have been more important. Trailing by two runs in the bottom of the seventh, Edman hit a three-run shot over the right field wall to give the Dodgers the lead. They went on to win their third consecutive game.

“He’s a heck of a ballplayer,” manager Dave Roberts said. “You can put him anywhere on the diamond. Makes plays offensively. Takes good at-bats. Has the knack for the big hit. And he’s playing his tail off.

“And obviously, when you don’t have Shohei in there, to put Tommy in there and really still be productive, it’s great.”

Despite his new spot in the lineup and rich vein of form, though, it’s business as usual for Edman.

“Regardless, I’m just trying to get on base,” Edman said. “Have good, productive at-bats. Grind out some ABs. And if slug comes, it’s not something I’m necessarily trying to do, just more trying to get on base than anything.”

Has Tommy Edman Been Good This Season?

Edman missed the first couple of months of the season while working his way back from offseason ankle surgery, but you wouldn’t be able to tell with how he’s played. He has six homers and 32 RBIs through 65 games this season, boasting a .762 OPS—which would be his best since his rookie season in 2019 if he maintains this place.

When Will Shohei Ohtani Return to the Lineup?

Edman’s spot at the top of the lineup is still temporary, at the end of the day, as the Dodgers are already looking to bring back Ohtani from a few days of rest.

They’re yet to release a concrete date for his return, though, so the Dodgers could keep Edman at the top of the order to close out their series against the Nationals.

Ohtani took some swings during the Dodgers’ win on Saturday and didn’t feel any discomfort, though they want to see how he comes in ahead of Sunday’s series finale, per Fabian Ardaya. Whether Ohtani misses the game or not, the Dodgers can take solace in the fact that they have a quality bat at the top of the lineup.