The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Santiago Espinal to a Minor League deal just before the first full squad workout of Spring Training.
The Dodgers needed right-handed hitting infield depth after losing Andy Ibáñez to the Athletics on waivers at the start of February. He was originally set to fill in the vacancy caused by Kiké Hernández and Tommy Edman beginning the year on the injured list.
Before the start of Cactus League play, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named Espinal as one of the options to replace Edman at second base in the interim.
So far, the 31-year-old infielder has enjoyed his time with the Dodgers since arriving at camp, according to Jack Harris of the California Post:
“The Dodgers told me I’d have a great opportunity here to compete,” Espinal told The California Post this week. “And as soon as I got here, they welcomed me with open arms.”
Espinal is coming off a down season with a 58 wRC+, but his ability to avoid strikeouts at a high level provides a good baseline. He has kept his strikeout percentage below 15% since 2021, including a career best 11.6% last season in 328 plate appearances.
So far in Cactus League play, the former All-Star has made a good impression on his new manager, and he’s trending toward making the roster:
“Things bode well for him,” manager Dave Roberts said Friday, offering a hint about Espinal’s chances of breaking camp with the club. “He’s really a helpful, winning player in my opinion, (who) raises the floor.”
The right-hander has compiled four hits and three walks in 12 plate appearances so far this spring. Three of his four hits have had an exit velocity of at least 89.6, including a 103.8 MPH single on Thursday, so he is making solid contact.
Espinal also has the versatility to make him a valuable contributor from the bench with experience in both the infield and outfield.
He is certainly making the most of his opportunity and building a case to make the Opening Day roster on March 26.
How are the Dodgers’ other second base options faring?
The platoon of Miguel Rojas and Hyeseong Kim are the leading candidates to take over at second base to start the season.
Both have performed very well thus far.
Rojas is batting .500/.556/.500 in eight at-bats, while Kim hit .462/.462/.692 with a home run and five RBI before departing camp to participate in the World Baseball Classic with Team South Korea.
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