Tommy Edman-less Dodgers predicted to make $12.5 million Opening Day decision

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The Los Angeles Dodgers entered spring training without their starting second baseman, Tommy Edman.

Edman underwent offseason surgery on his right ankle to repair a ligament and remove bone spurs. The switch-hitter will start the regular season on the injured list. That leaves manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers front office with an important decision to make.

Los Angeles has four options to receive everyday playing time at second base while Edman is out: Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland, Santiago Espinal, and utility man Hyeseong Kim.

FanSided's Zachary Rotman believes the left-handed hitter of the group has the advantage.

Roberts predicted to choose Kim as everyday second baseman​

Kim was a star in the Korea Baseball Organization and signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason. He took just 170 trips to the plate and stole 13 bases in 14 attempts.

His ability to hit from the left side of the batter's box should be what gives the 27-year-old an edge coming out of spring training, writes Rotman.

"What gives Kim the leg up is that he's a left-handed bat, so there's a good chance he'll be in the lineup most of the time against right-handers. Rojas and Espinal will still play, especially against lefties, but Kim has the most upside of that trio, and the clear platoon advantage on most nights."

Edman is valuable for the Dodgers, but the rest of the lineup is filled with All-Stars, so playing Kim every day won't hurt their postseason odds in the slightest.

More MLB news:​

• Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki will return to rotation, not bullpen according Dave Roberts
• Konnor Griffin projected to make Pirates Opening Day roster by two analysts
• Alex Cora announces Caleb Durbin is Red Sox starting third baseman
• Joey Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL for the Braves
• Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news
• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
• Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies

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