Edman's All-Around Heroics Lift Dodgers to Third Straight Win
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to find ways to win without Shohei Ohtani, and Tommy Edman has been at the center of it all. On Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, Edman delivered a game-changing three-run home run in the seventh inning and made a jaw-dropping defensive play in center field earlier in the game, powering the Dodgers to a 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals.
The win extends the Dodgers' winning streak to three games — their longest since a rough 13-14 August — and keeps them firmly positioned in the National League West race with a record of 85-57.
"That was crazy," starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow said of Edman's leaping catch at the wall that robbed the Nationals of extra bases. "It was a big boost to all of us."
Edman, who has been leading off in Ohtani's absence, went 1-for-4 on the night, but his lone hit was a 389-foot blast to right-center field that cleared the bases of Alex Freeland and Kiké Hernández, turning a 4-3 deficit into a 6-4 lead.
"He has a knack for the big hit, and he's playing his tail off," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Filling the Void Left by Ohtani and Pages
The Dodgers have been navigating a wave of injuries, with Ohtani sitting out his third consecutive game due to discomfort in his left knee, right biceps, and neck. The team held him out of the lineup for precautionary reasons, though Roberts reported that Ohtani did not experience pain while hitting in the cages during Saturday's game. The plan is to evaluate him again Sunday to determine if he can play in the series finale.
But Ohtani isn't the only key player missing. Andy Pages, a regular in the outfield, is also sidelined, pushing Edman into a more prominent role in center field and at the leadoff spot.
Edman has responded admirably, going 5-for-13 (.385) with a double, a home run, and three RBIs in the three games since taking over the leadoff role. Overall, he's hitting .280/.365/.453 with four doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBIs over his last 19 games dating back to Aug. 14.
The 31-year-old utility man takes pride in his ability to contribute wherever the team needs him, but he's modest about replacing Pages.
"Obviously losing Andy is a huge loss, so I take pride in being able to fill that role a little bit," Edman said. "I'm definitely not completely filling the role that Andy left behind, but just trying to do my best. I think that's something that's really important to any championship team."
Despite the increased responsibility, Edman says his approach hasn't changed.
"Not really," he said. "Regardless, I'm just trying to get on base, have good, productive at-bats, grind out some ABs. If slug comes, it's not something I'm necessarily trying to do. I'm more just trying to get on base than anything."
His manager has taken notice.
"He's a heck of a ballplayer," Roberts said. "You can put him anywhere on the diamond, makes plays defensively, takes good at-bats, has the knack for the big hit. He's playing his tail off. Obviously when you don't have Shohei in there, to put Tommy in there, and to still be productive, it's great."
Pitching Holds Up Despite Early Struggles
Tyler Glasnow, making his third start since returning from a lengthy stint on the injured list, battled through six innings, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out eight. He threw only 56 strikes out of 96 pitches, struggling with command early but settling in as the game progressed.
"It was a good step forward for someone making his third start after months without pitching," noted a Dodgers insider.
Alex Vessia and Evan Phillips provided scoreless relief, but Tanner Scott made things interesting in the ninth. After striking out the first two batters, Scott allowed a single, an RBI single, and a double to put runners on second and third before striking out the final hitter to secure his save.
Edman's Versatility a Key Piece for Postseason Push
With Ohtani's status uncertain and Andy Pages out, Edman's ability to play multiple positions has become even more critical. Roberts recently confirmed that Edman would see more time in center field, rather than platooning with Teoscar Hernández in left field.
"I don't see Tommy in left right now," Roberts said earlier this week. "We didn't bring up an outfielder, and I think that's part of, for right now, the bet on Teo that he can right the ship."
Hernández has struggled since returning from a hamstring injury, hitting .220/.273/.353 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 51 games, a significant drop from his first-half production. The Dodgers are counting on him to turn things around as the postseason approaches.
Edman's defensive versatility gives the team flexibility, and his timely hitting has been a welcome boost in a lineup that has been inconsistent without Ohtani.
The Dodgers have dealt with a season full of injuries, but they remain one of the top teams in the league. With Edman stepping up in key moments, they are proving they can still win even when their superstar is on the bench.
As the regular season winds down, the Dodgers will look to continue this momentum and secure a strong playoff position. Sunday's series finale against the Nationals gives them a chance to complete a sweep, and they'll likely have Ohtani back soon. Until then, Edman has shown he can carry the load.
For more on the Dodgers' injury woes and playoff push, check out Pete Golding's Ole Miss Era Begins After Kiffin's Exit: 'You're an Idiot If You Leave'.
Comments