Tommy Edman Powers Dodgers Past Nationals with Defensive Gem, Three-Run Homer
Tommy Edman delivered a signature two-way performance Saturday night, robbing the Washington Nationals of an extra-base hit with a leaping catch at the wall before launching a three-run home run that lifted the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-5 victory at Dodger Stadium.
The leadoff hitter, filling in for an injured Shohei Ohtani, made a game-changing grab in the fifth inning on a deep drive by Daylen Lile. Starter Tyler Glasnow, who watched the ball disappear into Edman’s glove, summed up the moment: “That was crazy,” he said.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the impact of the play: “It was a big boost to all of us.”
Edman’s Seventh-Inning Blast Breaks Open Close Game
After the Dodgers’ offense went quiet following a two-run first inning, Edman broke through in the bottom of the seventh. His 389-foot shot to right-center cleared the bases of Alex Freeland and Kiké Hernández, turning a one-run deficit into a 5-3 lead.
Roberts praised Edman’s versatility and clutch gene: “You can put him anywhere on the diamond — plays good defensively, has good at-bats,” Roberts said. “He has a knack for the big hit, and he’s playing his tail off.”
Versatility Proves Vital Amid Mounting Injuries
Edman is playing center field in place of the injured Andy Pages and embraces the utility role. “It’s definitely something that makes me valuable to the team,” Edman said of his versatility, “especially late in the year when guys get banged up. Losing [Pages] is a huge loss. I take pride in being able to fill that role a little. I’m not completely filling what he left behind, but I’m trying my best. That’s important to any championship team.”
The win extended the Dodgers’ streak to three games despite a 13-14 August record and a roster decimated by injuries. Ohtani (left knee, right biceps, neck), Pages, Max Muncy (illness), and catcher Dalton Rushing (right elbow discomfort) were all unavailable Saturday.
Bullpen Holds On After Shaky Ninth
Glasnow allowed four runs on six hits over six innings with eight strikeouts. Alex Vesia and Evan Phillips each tossed a scoreless frame before Tanner Scott entered for the save. The Nationals scored a run in the ninth and put runners on second and third before Scott struck out CJ Abrams to end the game.
Ohtani’s Status Day-to-Day; IL Stint Possible
Ohtani took swings in the batting cage during the game, and Roberts will evaluate his progress Sunday. “He did take some swings,” Roberts said, “and I think right now, honestly, I’m going to see how he comes in tomorrow. … But it was good to see that, during the game, all game, I think he was hitting. I don’t know what intensity, but the hitting coaches said that he was swinging with some intent.” Roberts added, “He did not report pain during it.”
If Ohtani isn’t trending positively, the Dodgers will consider placing him on the 15-day injured list (backdated up to three days). Roberts noted Ohtani’s demeanor as a barometer: “When he doesn’t feel well physically, he gets more short and he’s not the same personality,” Roberts said, noting Ohtani has appeared looser recently.
Ohtani has also struggled at the plate, going 7-for-51 over his last 13 games.
Will Smith Returns to Loud Ovation
All-Star catcher Will Smith, back from a nearly three-month absence due to a neck injury, pinch-hit in the eighth inning and received a rousing ovation. He struck out looking on a borderline pitch. His return adds another key piece to a lineup navigating a critical stretch.
