Dodgers News: Tommy Edman impact, rotation questions, Neal ElAttrache controversy

Tommy Edman has wasted little time reminding the Los Angeles Dodgers what they were missing.

After opening the season on the injured list while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Edman has looked sharp since returning last week. Through his first six games back, the Dodgers’ utility man is 8-for-22 (.364) with a double, two walks and an .826 OPS, giving Los Angeles an immediate boost from a player who had been sidelined for nearly six months.

Just as important as the production is the versatility Edman brings now that his ankle is no longer limiting him. After being mostly confined to second base last season, Edman is healthy enough to move around the diamond again, giving Dave Roberts more flexibility with his lineup and defensive alignments.

Roberts praised Edman’s dependability, quality at-bats and defense, pointing specifically to a strong play at third base over the weekend. With the Dodgers still managing injuries and roster shuffling, Edman’s return gives them a steady switch-hitting presence who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Dodgers News: Eric Lauer forcing inevitable rotation decision when Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell return

Eric Lauer has gone from stopgap depth arm to legitimate rotation consideration for the Dodgers. Since arriving in May, Lauer has been better than expected, posting a 2.54 ERA over 28.1 innings and giving Los Angeles exactly the kind of stability it needed amid another wave of rotation injuries. His latest outing only strengthened his case, as he followed opener Will Klein with six no-hit innings Monday.

That's what makes the Dodgers’ looming rotation decisions so interesting. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell all figure to have spots when healthy, leaving a crowded battle for the final opening if Los Angeles sticks with a six-man group.

Emmet Sheehan appears most vulnerable after a rough June, while Justin Wrobleski has likely earned a longer look with a 2.72 ERA and multiple six-inning scoreless starts this month. Lauer still may be on the outside looking in, especially with his home run issues, but he has at least forced the Dodgers to think harder than expected. For a team constantly trying to preserve arms for October, that is a good problem to have.

Dodgers News: MLB clears Dr. Neal ElAttrache following investigation

Major League Baseball has closed the book on its review of Dodgers team doctor Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

The league said Tuesday that it has “no concerns” about ElAttrache’s treatment of MLB players or his adherence to the Joint Drug Program after speaking with him last week. ElAttrache had drawn scrutiny following a New York Times report about his role in supporting a 2021 therapeutic-use exemption request for UFC fighter Conor McGregor after McGregor underwent surgery to repair a broken leg.

ElAttrache, one of the most prominent sports surgeons in the country, has worked with a long list of high-profile athletes and teams, including the Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams. He performed Shohei Ohtani’s 2023 elbow ligament reconstruction surgery and his 2024 shoulder surgery. For the Dodgers, MLB’s statement removes any lingering uncertainty surrounding one of the organization’s most trusted medical voices.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow