Edman 'one of the main pieces' of Dodgers' lineup puzzle

LOS ANGELES -- Manager Dave Roberts once described utility man Tommy Edman as the type of player who does something each game that helps the team win.

Sometimes, it's a big hit or a flashy play. But Edman's value lies in his ability to do the little things right day in and day out, which can sometimes be lost in the big picture of a game. It's a quality that almost doesn't seem like it's missing until it's suddenly back after a long absence.

"I noticed he was gone," Roberts said. "But that is true. I think if you look at every win that he's in the game, he is one of those guys that there's something he did to help you win. There really is, whether it's in the box score or not. I love those players, and he just kind of prides himself on that."

Edman returned from the 10-day injured list on Sunday after missing the first half of May with right ankle inflammation, and he's already been able to make an impact. He had a planned rest day on Tuesday, but he came off the bench and later drove in the first run of a three-run 10th inning as the Dodgers walked off the D-backs to end a four-game losing streak.

But in a sense, Edman adds value just by virtue of being himself. His ability to play the infield and outfield -- as an everyday cog in the lineup -- is a big part of why the Dodgers' roster makes sense as currently constructed.

Once Teoscar Hernández returned from the IL on Monday, the Dodgers' position-player contingent was at full strength -- and it looked a little different than it did before he and Edman were sidelined. Austin Barnes was designated for assignment in order to make room for top prospect Dalton Rushing, and Chris Taylor was essentially released so that Hyeseong Kim could remain on the roster.

The series of moves arguably raised the floor for an already-talented Dodgers roster -- and created somewhat of a puzzle when it comes to distributing playing time at second base and in the outfield. The team has tentatively mapped out how that will play out, and it doesn't really work without Edman being able to move between second base and center field as needed.

Edman won a Gold Glove Award at second base in 2021 and has looked excellent there this year, but he hasn't called one position home at any point in his Major League career. Even in Spring Training, when he seemed like the most well-rounded option to be the Dodgers' everyday second baseman from the season's outset, he knew that could change.

"I've got to make sure I get my reps," Edman said during spring. "Keep on staying fresh in the infield and in the outfield. I'm not sure what this year will bring. There's lots of things that can happen over the course of the year, so I've got to be ready for whatever situations arise."

As a switch-hitting infielder/outfielder, Edman was already the ultimate versatile player. That quality is even more valuable in a lineup that now has some more moving pieces.

"He's one of the main pieces," Roberts said. "His versatility certainly gives us some more options."