The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a lineup shake-up as second baseman Tommy Edman starts the 2026 season on the injured list. Enter Santiago Espinal, a Spring Training standout who's making waves and earning his spot on the 40-man roster for Opening Day.
Espinal, now 31, joined the Dodgers on a minor league deal this offseason and is set to compete with Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas for the starting second base position. His versatility has been on full display during Spring Training, where he's played second base, third base, and even showcased his skills at shortstop and in the outfield.
Espinal's Spring Training performance has been nothing short of impressive. Over 14 games, he's boasting a .412/.452/.676 slash line with two home runs and 13 RBIs, ranking him second on the team in that category. His ability to play multiple positions mirrors the flexibility that Tommy Edman brings, making Espinal a valuable asset for the Dodgers.
If Espinal can maintain this hot streak as the regular season kicks off, the Dodgers will likely give him a substantial opportunity to prove himself. His past experience with the Toronto Blue Jays and more recently, the Cincinnati Reds, has seen its ups and downs. While his recent seasons with the Reds were challenging at the plate, hitting .245/.294/.322, his knack for staying healthy is a significant plus for the Dodgers, especially after their injury-laden 2025 season.
Espinal's journey with the Dodgers is just beginning, and if his Spring Training form is any indication, he could play a pivotal role in their quest for success this year.