The Los Angeles Dodgers are shuffling their infield further after Kiké Hernández returned to the injured list with a torn left oblique.
Santiago Espinal, who was designated for assignment when Hernández was activated from the IL earlier this week, was re-signed, according to multiple reports. In 26 games this season, the 31-year-old compiled a .220/.238/.366 slash line while playing second and third.
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The Dodgers like Espinal’s ability to be effective in a utility role despite not getting much playing time. A bench player who could play multiple positions was necessary with Hernández’s injury.
With Hernández’s absence, Alex Freeland was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he was demoted after Mookie Betts was activated from the IL.
Freeland, 23, began the season as the Dodgers’ starting second baseman and batted .235/.309/.337 in 112 plate appearances. He also played well defensively, credited with 4 Defensive Runs Saved and 3 Outs Above Average. Freeland started at second base in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over the Colorado Rockies and is in the lineup for Friday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Dodgers regained some additional certainty in their infield with the return of Max Muncy. The third baseman missed four games after getting hit with a pitch on the left wrist, but the Dodgers hoped an IL stint wouldn’t be necessary. Muncy is second among Dodgers hitters with 12 home runs.
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To clear a spot for Espinal, Hyeseong Kim was optioned to the minors, the California Post’s Jack Harris reported.
Kim, 27, was a candidate to be nudged off the roster instead of Espinal when Hernández returned. but the Dodgers were encouraged by how well he hit in Triple-A (slashing .346/.438/.385) while showing better strike zone judgment.
However, he soon fell back into the tendency to chase pitches out of the zone and hit .226/.279/.274 in May. Kim’s defensive versatility (playing second base, shortstop and left field) wasn’t enough to compensate for that.
