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Dodgers cut ties again with former Blue Jays fan favourite Santiago Espinal

Santiago Espinal can't find his footing with LA.
May 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA;  Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Santiago Espinal (21) prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
May 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Santiago Espinal (21) prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had many former Toronto Blue Jays play a role in helping their team to success in recent years. Of course, the latest one that had joined the NL West juggernauts was none other than Eric Lauer just a few weeks ago. But for one former Blue Jays' player, his time to help the Dodgers has run out...for now.

Ex-Blue Jays fan favourite Santiago Espinal was designated for assignment by the Dodgers to make room for utilityman Tommy Edman. Edman had been sidelined all season recovering from right ankle surgery. As for Espinal, it was actually the second time this year that he had been DFA’d by Los Angeles.

Santiago Espinal continues to struggle to find his footing in the majors

With the recent roster transaction, the former Blue Jays infielder continues his journey to find a permanent role in the majors after starring for Toronto in his early years with the team. Espinal had made his MLB debut with the Jays back in 2020, but broke through with the club in 2021 when he posted a .311 average and .781 OPS in 92 total games of action. From there, he would become a first-time All-Star the very next season in 2022 when he compiled a .267 average along with 51 runs scored, 25 doubles, seven home runs and 51 RBIs in 135 games played.

However, his struggles would surface in 2023 when he was no longer utilized as an everyday player by the Blue Jays. With an infield logjam heading into the 2024 season, Toronto would trade Espinal to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chris McElvain.

Espinal would go on to spend two seasons in Cincinnati, amassing a .245 average, .616 OPS, with nine home runs and 61 RBIs in 232 total games played with the Reds. His underwhelming performance ultimately led the team to outright him to the minors following the 2025 season. Espinal would decline his assignment and became a free agent.

Los Angeles signed the former Jays infielder to a minor league contract in February of this year. An impressive spring showing in which Espinal compiled a strong .378/.425/.644 slash line with an OPS of 1.059 and 13 runs scored, two home runs and 13 RBIs in 19 games he earned a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster with his contract selected by the club.

However, his early success wouldn’t translate into the regular season as Espinal posted a .651 OPS, with five runs scored, one home run and seven RBIs in 36 games. He was previously DFA’d by the Dodgers in late May, but re-signed with the club after clearing waivers and electing free agency. But with his second DFA in three weeks by the same team, chances are that Espinal will be searching for a new home very soon.

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