Tommy Edman Benched as Dodgers Complete Rockies Sweep
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to roll, completing a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 6-4 victory on Wednesday night at Coors Field. The win improved the Dodgers to 77-51 on the season, further cementing their hold on the National League West. However, the lineup for the series finale featured a notable absence: utility player Tommy Edman was out, alongside third baseman Max Muncy. The Dodgers did not specify a reason for either player's absence, but manager Dave Roberts opted to start Miguel Rojas at shortstop and Kiké Hernández at third base, with Mookie Betts shifting to second.
Edman has been a key rotational piece for the Dodgers this season, contributing across multiple positions. His ability to play second base, shortstop, and outfield has given Roberts flexibility, but his recent production has been sporadic. In the 2026 season, Edman is hitting .246 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs, solid but not spectacular numbers. His absence Wednesday did not hurt the Dodgers, as they rallied from a 4-4 tie in the tenth inning on a Freddie Freeman sacrifice fly and a Mookie Betts RBI single to secure the sweep.
Stakes High as Dodgers Jockey for Playoff Position
The Dodgers' recent surge comes at a critical time. With just 34 games remaining in the regular season, every win matters in a tight NL West race. The sweep of the Rockies, who are last in the division, provided a much-needed boost after a rough patch that saw the Dodgers lose ground to the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers now lead the division by 2.5 games over the Diamondbacks, but the race remains highly competitive.
Edman's role in the Dodgers' playoff push cannot be overstated. While his offensive numbers are modest, his defensive versatility is invaluable. In a season marred by injuries—Will Smith has been out, and pitchers like Edwin Díaz and Tarik Skubal have had setbacks—Edman's ability to plug holes in the lineup has helped stabilize the team. His outfield play, particularly in left field, has been a factor in the Dodgers' outfield defensive metrics. According to Wins Above Average (WAA), the Dodgers rank 20th in left field, a position where Edman has contributed alongside Teoscar Hernández and Alex Call. His flexibility allows Roberts to rest regulars without sacrificing defense.
Moreover, Edman's experience in high-pressure situations—he was a key contributor to the Dodgers' 2024 World Series run—makes him a trusted veteran in the clubhouse. His absence from the lineup, even for a routine rest day, is noteworthy given the team's injury concerns. Max Muncy's absence also drew attention, as the Dodgers have relied heavily on his power from the left side of the plate. Muncy is hitting .213 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs this season, and his on-base percentage remains a critical component of the Dodgers' offense.
Broader Implications: Dodgers' Depth and October Strategy
The Dodgers' ability to sweep the Rockies without Edman and Muncy in the starting lineup underscores their organizational depth. This season, the Dodgers have used 54 different players, the most in MLB, due to a combination of injuries and roster shuffling. The return of Brock Stewart from the injured list and the continued development of young players like Andy Pages, who has emerged as one of the best center fielders in baseball with a 3.8 WAA, highlight the team's ability to adapt.
However, the Dodgers' reliance on versatility also raises questions about their postseason strategy. While Edman is unlikely to be an everyday starter in October, his role as a super-utility player could be crucial in matchups against left-handed pitching or in late-game defensive substitutions. Manager Dave Roberts has shown a willingness to use unconventional lineups, and Edman's presence provides a safety net.
The team's recent struggles with starting pitching—Tarik Skubal, acquired at the trade deadline, has posted a 6.00 ERA in his first three starts with the Dodgers—have put more pressure on the offense and bullpen. The bullpen, anchored by Tanner Scott, who notched his 18th save on Wednesday, has been a bright spot. The Dodgers also received positive news on Edwin Díaz, whose MRI came back clean, suggesting his neck issue is muscular rather than structural, a "best-case scenario" per Roberts.
As the regular season winds down, the Dodgers are positioning themselves for another deep playoff run. Edman's health and versatility will be key to that effort. While Wednesday's lineup decision was likely precautionary, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between rest and readiness at this stage of the season. The Dodgers know that a fully healthy, flexible roster is their best bet to secure a division title and make noise in October. With the postseason approaching, every move—including giving Edman a day off—is calculated with the ultimate goal in mind: another World Series championship.
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