Former Dodgers infielder Santiago Espinal signs with NL West rival

· California Post

The Los Angeles Dodgers boast several veterans on the roster, but Santiago Espinal became an unexpected addition after cracking the Opening Day roster.

The infielder played a key depth role for the Dodgers early in the 2026 season with a number of position players sidelined. Espinal was designated for assignment (for the second time) in June in order to make space for Tommy Edman, who missed the first 2.5 months of the season as he recovered from offseason ankle surgery.

Santiago Espinal cracked the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster after a hot performance during spring training. Wally Skalij for CA Post

Espinal elected free agency and made a brief stint with the Texas Rangers’ minor league affiliate before the organization released him at the end of July.

On Thursday, the 31-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was assigned to Triple-A Reno.

Since Espinal’s tenure with the Dodgers ended earlier this summer, the infielder hasn’t made a major league appearance. He played in 36 games for LA, hitting .268 with one home run, seven RBIs and a OPS of .651 across 60 plate appearances for the Dodgers.

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The Dodgers designated Santiago Espinal for assignment in June to make room on the roster for Tommy Edman. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post

Espinal made an impressive run this spring, giving the Dodgers no choice but include him on the Opening Day roster.

“(He has fit in) seamlessly,” manager Dave Roberts said at camp. “It’d be hard to imagine him not being on the team.”

Santiago Espinal played a key depth role for the Dodgers early in 2026. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post

Espinal’s versatility played well with the Dodgers, especially with utility man Kiké Hernandez sidelined to start the season. The veteran is also proven talent as he was an All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022.

Now, Espinal will look to get back to full form with the Diamondbacks, who could still call the infielder up in late season move.