During his time with the Cincinnati Reds, where he spent the last two years, Espinal struggled to connect and had limited opportunities to hit free agency this offseason.
However, according to Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation, it was veteran Teoscar Hernandez who convinced Espinal, a former teammate of Hernandez during his time with the Blue Jays, to come to Los Angeles.
Espinal was on a tear, racking up nine plate appearances and giving up five hits, one of which was a double, while allowing two RBIs and three walks.
It’s a small sample size for sure, but Espinal’s good glove will go a long way with the team, and his hitting, if he can be anything below average, makes him a valuable player.
Santiago Espinal’s role with the Dodgers
Dave Roberts is impressed with what Espinal has offered the Dodgers so far.
“He’s a former All-Star. I love the ball. He’s a dashing player. I play with him a lot because, you know, I want to gather more information,” Roberts said.
“But I really like what he’s done. I think, you know, I can trust him in pretty much any of the diamonds, you know, the corners, second, third, and I think he can even play short on the field.”
“But he’s a really good hitter and, you know, things bode well for him. I’ve just got to keep doing what he’s doing.”
He can play third base, second base and shortstop and cover multiple positions, which the Dodgers really appreciate.
Roberts said Espinal is primed to be the platoon’s third baseman, backing up Max Muncy against left-handed pitchers.
‘I think there will be times when you want to give Max something [Muncy] a day off in third place,” Roberts said.
“And he’s a nice, you know, person to use. And, you know, as for second base, if we need that next to Miggy-Ro.
“But he’ll play some short at times and also at second base. Also a bat off the bench. You know, I think when we need a right-handed bat, he’ll put the ball in play and take a professional at-bat.”
Dodgers fans should be excited about the way Espinal has played because it provides coverage for injured players like Tommy Edman and other injuries that may occur.
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