The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another roster move. They have optioned Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and called up Santiago Espinal to take his place, the team announced on Friday. Espinal has been re-signed after being designated for assignment earlier this week.
Dodgers Option Hyeseong Kim, Recall Santiago Espinal
Another Falling Domino
Espinal was designated for assignment when Kike Hernandez came off the injured list. When Hernández was placed back on the IL with a torn oblique, Alex Freeland was recalled from Triple-A. However, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic later reported that Freeland was already en route to Los Angeles to replace Kim, but circumstances dictated that Kim be spared demotion for the moment. Shortly thereafter, Espinal cleared waivers, opening the door for a possible return in the wake of the Hernández injury.
The Dodgers recalled IF/OF Ryan Ward, signed IF/OF Santiago Espinal, optioned IF/OF Hyeseong Kim and placed OF Teoscar Hernández on the injured list a left hamstring strain. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred LHP Blake Snell to the 60-day injured…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 30, 2026
Young Infielder Needs More Playing Time
The young Korean was called up when Mookie Betts went on the IL. He instantly made an impact with the bat and his speed. However, Kim has cooled off considerably. He is hitting just .174 since May 8th. Manager Dave Roberts noted that he is “swinging wildly” outside the strike zone, a habit that sent him to Triple-A out of Spring Training last year as well as this year. This gives Kim the opportunity to play every day and refine his swing again. Los Angeles clearly doesn’t want him sitting on the bench.
Dodgers Value Flexibility
Espinal turned heads out of Spring Training and made the Opening Day roster. However, he wasn’t much better than Kim offensively. He hit for a batting average of .220, and his at-bat quality was noticeably lacking. However, with both Kiké and Teoscar Hernandez injured, Espinal gives the Dodgers another right-handed option off the bench. In addition, he can play third base, which gives Max Muncy a day off when facing a left-handed pitcher.
For what it’s worth, the Dodgers have long-term options with Kim, who is signed through 2027. He has club options for two additional years. Espinal is still a short-term fix, no matter how long the two Hernándezes are sidelined this year. The Dodgers always seem to have an eye for the long game, no matter what the immediate demands are. Let’s see how it works out.
Main Photo Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
