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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Santiago Espinal #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat during a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on May 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to kick off a new three-game weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, which is among the most eagerly awaited series on the MLB calendar.
The Phillies come into the series after a sweep of the San Diego Padres and will start Zack Wheeler in the first game of the series. Similarly, the Dodgers are also coming off a sweep against the Colorado Rockies, but facing the Phillies will present a much greater challenge for Los Angeles. This series also revisits the previous Phillies-Dodgers NLDS matchup from last October. Before the series against the Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be making a significant roster announcement.
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Dodgers Add Santiago Espinal; Option Hyeseong Kim
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Hyeseong Kim #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes batting practice prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
According to reporters covering the Los Angeles Dodgers (Jack Harris, Fabian Ardaya), the team is selecting the contract of former MLB All-Star Santiago Espinal and has optioned $12.5 million infielder Hyeseong Kim.
The big news here is that with a full 40-man roster, the Dodgers will need to drop another player to make room for Espinal. The identity of that player has not yet been disclosed.
Santiago Espinal was designated for assignment earlier this week.
Additional Information on Santiago Espinal/Hyeseong Kim
GettyHyeseong Kim #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a fielding drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 13, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona.
Hyeseong Kim has performed decently in his opportunities with the Dodgers this season.
Over the course of 116 at-bats, Kim is hitting .259 with one home run, one triple, and three doubles. His OPS is at .651, with a bWAR of 0.5 across 43 games.
Santiago Espinal has had fewer chances than Kim and is a former MLB All-Star from his time with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Espinal holds a batting average of .220 this season with one home run and four RBIs in 41 at-bats.
It’s unclear exactly what this move signifies, but it may allow Kim a few at-bats in the minors before returning to the major league team.
Espinal is a versatile infielder who boasts a career average of .260 with 21 home runs in 604 games. While not known for his power, he provides an excellent glove.
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TJ French covers the MLB for Heavy. TJ is a graduate of the University of Georgia and has over 2 years of writing experience.
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