The Dodgers face more adversity in their roster: now it's an annoying injury to one of their mainstays

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who are already struggling to overcome injuries to their pitching staff, were without second baseman Tommy Edman in their starting lineup for the first game of Friday night's series against the Atlanta Braves.

Edman, who ranks second on the team with eight home runs and 24 RBIs, injured his right ankle in Tuesday night's 15-2 victory over Miami. After missing Wednesday's game and having a day off Thursday, Edman was still not ready to start in the first of 10 consecutive road games, and his availability in the short term is in doubt, so the alarm bells are already ringing at Chavez Ravine.

The player worked out before Friday night's game in what manager Dave Roberts said could be a key session. "I hope he's available to pinch hit," Roberts said, adding that he believes Edman's status is "a day-to-day issue", however, that statement does not bode well.

When asked if Edman could be on the injured list, Roberts said: "Today could be revealing."

The Dodgers' 'hospital'

The Dodgers began May with three starting pitchers on the injured list. Left-hander Blake Snell (shoulder inflammation) is with the team in Atlanta. Roberts said Snell is scheduled to begin throwing when the team continues its trip to Miami next week.

The rotation also features the absences of Tyler Glasnow (shoulder inflammation) and Clayton Kershaw (recovering from toe and knee surgery). The Dodgers also have two key relievers Blake Treinen (forearm soreness) and Michael Kopech (shoulder impingement) on the injured list.

Roberts said Kopech is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment next week.

*With information from Lapresse