Teoscar Hernandez and Santiago Espinal: A Reunion in Los Angeles

PHOENIX – Teoscar Hernandez has fond memories of Santiago Espinal. Back in 2022, they were teammates on the Blue Jays, where Espinal had a breakout season, becoming an All-Star. He emerged as a versatile utility player on a playoff-bound team.

“He’s a really great player,” Hernandez said. “He understands the game. He knows how to handle every situation.” It’s clear there’s mutual respect here.

Fast forward four years, and they find themselves reunited with the Dodgers this spring. Espinal, however, is now trying to turn his career around. After three tough seasons, he signed a minor league deal in Los Angeles.

“The Dodgers said I had a great chance to compete here,” Espinal shared recently. “As soon as I arrived, everyone was welcoming.” It’s a promising start, but the road ahead won’t be easy.

At first glance, the 31-year-old infielder might seem like an afterthought on a team filled with former All-Stars. The Dodgers have young talents like Hyesung Kim and Alex Freeland, and Espinal’s recent stats don’t exactly scream “impact player.” Since 2022, his performance has been lackluster, with a -0.4 WAR.

But as spring training unfolds, it seems that there might still be hope for him to make the Dodgers’ opening roster.

For Hernandez, Espinal’s potential is undeniable. “I see him as a Quique Hernandez-type player,” he noted. With Quique likely sidelined for part of the season due to elbow surgery, Espinal’s versatility becomes ever more valuable. The team’s early plans to replace Quique stumbled, with a recent free agent signing unexpectedly dropped from the roster.

The absence of Tommy Edman has opened yet another utility opportunity. Kim and Freeland are vying for the second base spot, but the Dodgers might prefer to keep one as backup, sending the other to Triple-A for regular playing time instead of warming the bench.

Espinal could fit right into that scenario. The idea would be to utilize him as needed, capable of stepping in without hesitation while expecting limited playing time.

“Things are looking good for him,” manager Dave Roberts mentioned, hinting at the possibility of Espinal earning a spot on the team. “In my opinion, he’s a really useful, winning player.”

Even in the brief time with the Dodgers, Espinal feels at ease. He trains daily at Camelback Ranch alongside established players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, working on his game. And he’s not just practicing with minor leagues but getting significant reps with MLB regulars.

Espinal and the Dodgers’ hitting coaches have been reviewing his swing, attempting to restore his line-drive approach from earlier years when he posted a .280 average and a WAR of 4.6 before the All-Star Game in 2022. So far, he’s been productive in the Cactus League, notching 4 hits in 8 at-bats.

Being around such talented teammates is also inspiring for Espinal. He specifically mentioned, “I’ve never seen Mookie pull the ball. It’s always right-center. It’s a small detail, but I think, ‘Hey, I want to try that, too.'” That kind of learning can be crucial.

Of course, his most significant asset remains his defensive flexibility. He can fill in at various positions, offering options for the team. While finding regular at-bats could be tricky, he remains eager for any chance to show he still has what it takes. It’s all about proving himself, especially as he eyes that opening roster spot.

Teoscar Hernández summed it up well: “I’m glad he got a chance to show what he’s capable of. He’s going to be a really big piece for this team this year.”