Dodgers make insurance signing after Tommy Edman injury update forces issue

Dodgers waste no time in adding Tommy Edman insurance.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Santiago Espinal (4) reacts to hitting a base hit in the second inning between Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on July 30, 2025.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Santiago Espinal (4) reacts to hitting a base hit in the second inning between Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on July 30, 2025. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Tommy Edman won't be ready in time for Opening Day. Edman underwent offseason ankle injury, and Roberts' confirmation is what most Dodgers fans were expecting when the injury was first revealed. Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland, and Miguel Rojas are among the leading options to take over at second base in Edman's absence, but the Dodgers added another name for consideration.

The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya reports that the Dodgers have signed former Cincinnati Reds infielder Santiago Espinal to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training.

Dodgers waste no time in adding Tommy Edman insurance policy to spring training roster

One of the leading storylines for the Dodgers entering spring training was the plan at second base. Between Edman not being ready for Opening Day and Kiké Hernandez likely not ready until the middle months of the season, the Dodgers had a need for infield depth. A need that was accentuated by the fact that Los Angeles designated Andy Ibáñez for assignment just three weeks after they signed him to a major league deal.

If nothing else, Espinal is a cheaper replacement than Ibáñez. Not to mention, the 31-year-old infielder does offer more versatility for the Dodgers, given his ability to play nearly every position on the field.

While Espinal was a favorite of Reds manager Terry Francona, he likely faces an uphill climb in making the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. In 328 plate appearances last season, he slashed .243/.292/.282 with a wRC+ of 58. While his positional versatility can't be discarded, his Baseball Savant pages suggest that he's an underwhelming fielder.

Kim seems like the likeliest candidate to open the season as the Dodgers' starting second baseman. Short of an injury to Freeland or Rojas during spring training, Espinal may be organizational depth for the Dodgers while opening the season at the Triple-A level.

It would save the Dodgers from having to go through the gymnastics of adding him to the 40-man roster, only to option him once Edman returns.

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