Former Blue Jays All-Star DFA'd by Dodgers

He was an All-Star for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 (though it says more about the state of the team that year than anything else). Now, after batting just .220 for the LA Dodgers in a utility role this season, Santiago Espinal has been designated for assignment.

Kiké Hernández is ACTIVE and expected to make his season debut for the Dodgers tonight 🚨

Santiago Espinal was DFA’d to make space on the roster, and Hyeseong Kim stays up for now.

How do you feel about the move? pic.twitter.com/zbAmXyqgI9
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 25, 2026

The infielder went just 4-for-18 this month with an OPS just barely over .600.

Many felt that Hyeseong Kim would be sent out when Kike Hernandez was activated, as Kim is hitting just .214 with a .535 OPS this month. He's struck out 17 times in 56 ABs. But for now, thanks to his elite defense, Kim gets a reprieve.

Hernández, 34, will be making his season debut the first time he steps on the field for LA. He underwent major surgery on his left elbow after the World Series to repair an extensor muscle that detached from the bone—an injury he had been playing through for the majority of the season.

Espinal joined the Dodgers in February on a minor-league contract and subsequently earned a spot on the Opening Day roster on a $2.5 million salary. The Dodgers now have seven days to either trade him, release him, or place him on outright waivers.

The 31-year-old super utility man spent the previous two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, where he played every single position on the diamond, except for catcher and center field. He has a career .260 average with a .663 OPS.