Translation result
[MyDaily = Reporter Kim Kyung-hyun] It’s unclear whether he can provide improved offense.
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a move: Kim Hye-seong has been optioned to the minor leagues. The decision appears to fit the Dodgers’ bigger picture.
On the 30th (Korean time), the Dodgers officially announced they signed Santiago Espinal and optioned Kim Hye-seong to the minors.
Kim’s recent form has dipped. He hit .296 (16-for-54) in April, but his average fell to .226 (14-for-62) in May. Over his last seven games, he’s gone just 3-for-19 (.158).
Espinal had been designated for assignment by the Dodgers on the 26th. With Kiké Hernández sidelined by an oblique tear and Teoscar Hernández dealing with a hamstring injury, the Dodgers called up Ryan Ward and re-signed Espinal to provide depth.
Espinal, born in 1994, was a 10th-round pick (No. 298) by the Boston Red Sox in the 2016 MLB draft. He made his big-league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020, spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, and joined the Dodgers this season.
He isn’t a standout offensive producer. His MLB totals include 605 games, 432 hits, 21 home runs, 28 stolen bases, 184 runs, 164 RBIs, a .260 batting average and a .663 OPS. After a career year in 2021 with a .311 average and a .781 OPS, his numbers have trended downward. This season he has nine hits in 26 games with one home run, four runs and four RBIs, hitting .220 with a .604 OPS.
Baseball site Major League Trade Rumors questioned whether Espinal offers better offense, but wrote the Dodgers likely decided it’s preferable for Kim to get regular at-bats in the minors rather than sit on the bench.
MLBTR added that Kim is 27 and under contract through 2027, with club options for 2028 and 2029. Espinal is 31 and not on a long-term deal, so it makes sense for the Dodgers to prioritize Kim in their long-term plans. Espinal is viewed more as a short-term fill-in and a better fit as a part-time bench piece.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also hinted at making tweaks to Kim’s swing. According to Dodgers Nation, Roberts said, “I think his swing has changed. He’s using his lower half a bit less. I see a slightly wrapping swing. He’s also swinging and missing a lot more than earlier in the season. It’s not the free, comfortable look he showed last year or at the start of this season. That’s why I think it’s important to get him regular reps. Getting him out of the intense spotlight and pressure could help him get back to the level he can achieve.”
For now, Alex Verdugo looks poised to handle regular duties at second base. How will Espinal be used? MLBTR notes that while Espinal may not offer much with the bat, he provides versatility. He has experience at all four infield positions and in corner outfield spots, allowing the Dodgers to shift players around as needed.
Most Read
-
‘On the brink’ Kim Se-eui faces provisional seizure of Gangnam apartment… Could owe Kim Soo-hyun 30 billion KRW (approximately 22.5 million USD) [Overseas Issue]
-
Are you really 51? Harisu posts early voting selfie… ageless beauty unchanged
-
‘Um Tae-woong♥Yoon Hye-jin daughter’ Jion’s rapid growth update… now taller than Uhm Jung-hwa
Most Commented