Dodgers Activate Kiké Hernández, Designate Santiago Espinal for Assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers have welcomed back veteran utility player Kiké Hernández, activating him from the injured list. This move required the team to make a roster adjustment, leading to the designation for assignment (DFA) of 31-year-old utility player Santiago Espinal.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the decision regarding Espinal as difficult. Espinal joined the Dodgers on a minor league contract this offseason and impressed during spring training, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster. This season, he appeared in 26 games, batting .220 with one home run and four RBIs.

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We were very upfront from the beginning about what our expectations were for him, and I think he understands and respects that.

Roberts indicated that Hernández will primarily play third base and second base, with possibilities of seeing time in the outfield to maintain his defensive versatility. Meanwhile, another utility player, Tommy Edman, is set to begin a rehabilitation assignment in Triple-A, potentially playing second base and center field during his recovery.

The decision to DFA Espinal over potentially optioning struggling player Kim Hye-seong to Triple-A was influenced by the team's roster composition, particularly having multiple right-handed utility players. Reports suggest the DFA allows the Dodgers to avoid paying Espinal's full $2.5 million salary for 2026, as he had not yet reached a guaranteed date in his contract.

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I hope Hye Seong can focus on the game and play freely, without worrying about who is coming back or not. Just get back to being the baseball player he is.