Cardinals Have Growing Concerns of Gold Glove Winner’s Availability

Tommy Edman‘s case of a slow start to spring training is a bit more concerning lately. The utility man continues to rehab from offseason surgery and the St. Louis Cardinals could be without one of their most important players for Opening Day. Edman has been going through drills on the back fields but has yet to be cleared to face live pitching. The switch-hitter has taken swings from both sides of the plate as his swing from the left side is ahead of his swing to the right side. With about three weeks of spring training games remaining, Edman is running out of time.

Tommy Edman’s Status for Opening Day

Internal concern is growing, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.

“Edman continues to progress from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent in October to address an achy right wrist that plagued from most of the 2023 season. But internal concern is growing that Edman won’t be ready for Opening Day,” Woo said. “Edman has yet to be cleared to face live pitching, though he has been active in certain infield drills on the back fields. There’s also the matter of ensuring enough recovery between work days.”

St. Louis would prefer that Edman see game action before clearing him for regular-season play. There is no timetable for Edman to take live swings, let alone being cleared for Grapefruit League play. Edman is going to play an important role for the Cardinals. If he requires a stint on the injured list, Dylan Carlson would be the Cardinals’ Opening Day starter.

“We are trying to see how each day goes with it,” Edmans said. “Hopefully, we will continue to progress.”

Edman Ready to Prove His Versatility

Edman can hold his own at shortstop and second base, winning a Gold Glove as a second baseman in 2021. The 28-year-old can play all three outfield spots and thanks to his versatility, he was a Gold Glove finalist as a utility player the last two years. This year, he is expected to be the Cardinals’ everyday center field, where he has 44 games of big league experience.

“Hopefully, I can take advantage of it and have another great year defensively,” Edman said. “It takes some things off the table and simplifies things in a sense. It is nice to have that knowledge going into the year.”

Last year, Edman hit a career low .248 and missed three weeks in July due to wrist inflammation. The injury bothered him through the end of the season, resulting in the surgery that continues to sideline him now. Once he is healthy enough, Edman would like to see a return to consistency. The one that turned him into a .304 hitter in 2019 and once he’s on base, Edman is a threat to steal. He had 27 stolen bases last season.