Dodgers finalize decisions on 2 key roster battles, but 1 big question remains

No one would've put money on Santiago Espinal to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster when he signed a minor league deal with the team, but their decision on Wednesday offered a satisfying conclusion to one of the more interesting stories in camp.

The Dodgers fell in love with Espinal after just a few spring training games. Dave Roberts said he fit in "seamlessly," and he had former Blue Jays teammate Teoscar Hernández in his corner. Just a few days later, Roberts said it would be hard to see him being left off of the Opening Day squad.

On Wednesday, the Dodgers added him to the 40-man roster, which wasn't necessarily a guarantee, but reports followed that he would indeed be on LA's bench come March 26.

That same day, they optioned River Ryan to Triple-A, ending any speculation that he might start the year in the major league bullpen or even kick Roki Sasaki out of a rotation spot. The team wants to be conscientious of his usage coming back from Tommy John, and taking it easier — and with a more consistent throwing schedule — in Oklahoma City will be the best place for him to get innings and establish a rhythm.

These are two resolutions that fans mostly saw coming, but the biggest roster question still remains: who's getting the start at second base next week?

Dodgers settle roster decisions with Santiago Espinal promotion, River Ryan option, but 2B battle continues

Hyeseong Kim is now generally being thought of as the frontrunner over rookie Alex Freeland — but only by a slim margin. There's very little time for Freeland to get hot and actually start hitting, though; the Dodgers only have five spring games left before an off day on March 25 and then the home opener the following day.

The Dodgers being enamored with Espinal and less sold on Kim or Freeland could lead to some more flip-flopping in the majors, too. While it's doubtful that they would make a Kim-Freeland swap early into the season if one or the other isn't hitting very well, but there's a non-zero chance Espinal encroaches upon the starting role if he continues to be successful.

We wouldn't be surprised if the Kim-Freeland decision comes down to the wire. They have just a week left to make a statement that will turn the tides in either of their directions.