Dodgers Add Spring Training Star to Opening Day Roster

Santiago Espinal earns spot on 40-man roster after impressive spring performance.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:57am

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have added infielder Santiago Espinal to their Opening Day roster after he had a standout Spring Training performance. Espinal, who signed a minor league contract with the team this offseason, will likely compete for the starting second base job with Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas while regular starter Tommy Edman begins the season on the injured list.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season, and Espinal's versatility and hot bat in Spring Training could provide a needed boost to their lineup. His ability to play multiple infield positions gives the team flexibility as they navigate Edman's absence.

The details

Through 14 Spring Training games, the 31-year-old Espinal is batting .412/.452/.676 with 2 home runs and 13 RBIs, second-most on the team. He has experience at second base, third base, shortstop and the outfield. Over the past two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Espinal struggled at the plate, batting .245/.294/.322, but the Dodgers are hoping he can carry his spring success into the regular season.

  • The Dodgers announced Espinal will be on the 40-man roster for Opening Day 2026.

The players

Santiago Espinal

A 31-year-old infielder who signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers this offseason and had an impressive Spring Training, earning a spot on the 40-man roster for Opening Day.

Tommy Edman

The Dodgers' regular starting second baseman who will begin the 2026 season on the injured list, opening the door for Espinal to compete for the starting job.

Hyeseong Kim

An infielder who will also compete with Espinal and Miguel Rojas for the starting second base job to begin the 2026 season.

Miguel Rojas

An infielder who will also compete with Espinal and Hyeseong Kim for the starting second base job to begin the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“With the same versatility as Tommy Edman, Santiago Espinal has an opportunity to play a key role with the Dodgers this season.”

— Cameron Kiszla, Writer, Dodgers Nation

What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor Edman's recovery and Espinal's performance in Spring Training as they determine the starting second baseman for Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' addition of Santiago Espinal to the Opening Day roster demonstrates their commitment to building roster depth and providing opportunities for players who perform well in Spring Training, even if they were initially signed to minor league deals.