"The Dodgers told me I'd have a great opportunity here to compete, and as soon as I got here, they welcomed me with open arms. Espinal is coming off a down season with a 58 wRC+, but his ability to avoid strikeouts at a high level provides a good baseline. He has kept his strikeout percentage below 15% since 2021, including a career best 11.6% last season in 328 plate appearances."
"Things bode well for him, manager Dave Roberts said Friday, offering a hint about Espinal's chances of breaking camp with the club. He's really a helpful, winning player in my opinion, (who) raises the floor. The right-hander has compiled four hits and three walks in 12 plate appearances so far this spring. Three of his four hits have had an exit velocity of at least 89.6, including a 103.8 MPH single on Thursday."
The Dodgers signed Santiago Espinal to a Minor League contract before Spring Training to address infield depth after losing Andy Ibáñez to waivers. Espinal was positioned as a potential replacement for Tommy Edman at second base while Edman recovers from injury. The 31-year-old infielder has impressed manager Dave Roberts during Cactus League play, recording four hits and three walks in 12 plate appearances with solid exit velocities. Despite a down previous season, Espinal maintains a strong strikeout avoidance rate below 15% and provides versatility across infield and outfield positions. Roberts indicated Espinal's performance suggests he will likely make the opening day roster.
Read at Dodger Blue
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