The Dodgers are optioning Hyeseong Kim back to the minor-leagues, a source with knowledge of the situation told The California Post on Friday.
And, less than a week after designated for assignment by the club, former All-Star utilityman Santiago Espinal has been re-signed by the club.
It was only on Monday that Espinal was originally DFA’d by the Dodgers, in what was then a corresponding move for Kiké Hernández’s return from the injured list.
But after clearing waivers and becoming a free agent this week, Espinal was quickly re-acquired by the team Friday — with Hernández having since gone back on the injured list with a strained oblique on Wednesday.
Kim, meanwhile, was demoted to make room for Espinal on the roster.
Despite a strong start to his second MLB season, the glove-first infielder had struggled mightily at the plate in recent weeks.
Since May 8, Kim has hit just .174. In that time, his strikeout rate has also climbed.
And even though the Dodgers lost another key player Wednesday when Teoscar Hernández went down with a hamstring strain, the club elected to replace him by calling up outfielder Ryan Ward from triple-A.
Kim will return to the minors for the second time this season, after originally failing to make the team’s opening day roster.
Espinal, a seven-year big-league veteran who has struggled to recapture the form that made him an All-Star in 2022, played sparingly for the Dodgers in his first stint with the team this season, batting only .220 in 41 at-bats.
His real value, however, came from his defensive flexibility, capable of playing across the infield and in the corner outfield spots. On a team with an established starting lineup, it also helped to round out the bench with an experienced player who wouldn’t be as impacted by limited playing time.
While Alex Freeland (a switch-hitter much stronger from the left side of the plate), was originally called up in the wake of Kiké Hernández’s injury, the Dodgers’ need for another right-handed bat became more pronounced once Teoscar Hernández went down on Wednesday.
Thus, the Dodgers acted quickly once Espinal — who had originally signed for a $2.5 million salary earlier this year — cleared waivers and re-entered the open market.
They are hoping he can once again help add some depth to their roster.
