Dodgers utility player Santiago Espinal clears waivers, returns to Triple-A

Infielder Santiago Espinal, a former All-Star utility player, has cleared waivers and will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City. The Dodgers had designated Espinal for assignment earlier in the week to make room on the 40-man roster.

Espinal, 31, joined the Dodgers on a minor league contract and impressed during spring training, hitting .378 with two home runs. He made the Opening Day roster but struggled in 26 games, batting .220 with one home run and four RBIs. His departure from the 40-man roster was precipitated by the return of veteran Kiké Hernández from injury.

Despite his struggles, Espinal's return to the Dodgers organization was seen as a significant win by some U.S. media outlets, given that no other team claimed him off waivers. This unexpected outcome could prove beneficial for the Dodgers, especially with recent injury news affecting other outfielders. Both Hernández and Teoscar Hernández have recently landed on the injured list, potentially opening a door for Espinal's swift return to the major league roster.