{"id":114882,"date":"2026-02-27T22:52:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T03:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=114882"},"modified":"2026-02-27T22:52:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T03:52:43","slug":"three-players-who-have-shot-dodgers-opening-day-roster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/02\/27\/three-players-who-have-shot-dodgers-opening-day-roster\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Players Who Have a Shot at Making the Dodgers’ Opening Day Roster"},"content":{"rendered":"

Opening Day is a month away, and the majority of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster is set<\/a>. However, injuries<\/a> are inevitable in the game of baseball. This leads to opportunities for players who might be on the outside looking in on a roster filled with All-Stars. Here are three names to keep in mind as the Dodgers get closer to Opening Day.<\/p>\n

Three Dark Horse Candidates to Crack the Dodgers’ Opening Day Roster<\/h2>\n

The Right-Handed Utility Man<\/h3>\n

Santiago Espinal<\/a> might just be what the doctor ordered for the Dodgers. Both Kik\u00e9 Hernandez<\/a> and Tommy Edman<\/a> will start the year<\/a> on the injured list due to offseason surgery. Both players are expected to miss significant time recovering. As a result, the Dodgers need a right-handed bat off the bench.\u00a0Espinal just might be that guy. He made the All-Star team four years ago, but has yet to recover that form. The 31-year-old had a season to forget last year in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, and they eventually outrighted him to Triple-A.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Aug 13, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal (4) throws to first to get Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (not pictured) out in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He is known for his defensive versatility and prowess. Espinal has made several sparkling plays on the infield this spring. He could spell Max Muncy<\/a> at third base this season. However, since having a batting average near .300 in 2022, Espinal has struggled to recover his offensive stroke. It appears his bat may be back. Espinal is hitting .500 this spring, and Manager Dave Roberts<\/a> said, “Things bode well” for the veteran.<\/p>\n

\n

Santiago Espinal is hitting .500 so far in Spring Training. He’s shown versatility at 2 spots the Dodgers need versatility at, and he has GREAT experience. Dude has a GREAT chance, IMO, to make the roster, at least until Edman gets back. #dodgers<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Y5jwGb3H5t<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) February 27, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n