"The Dodgers included an advanced consent clause in that deal, per multiple league sources, a provision that permits a team to release a player within the first 45 days of a contract without paying the remainder of the player's owed salary. According to those sources, that deal was restructured and the deadline extended."
"Espinal originally signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Dodgers that included a way for the club to essentially get out of paying the remainder of his salary if he was released within the first 45 days. With the Dodgers extending that deadline, it was the first clue that Espinal wasn't going to be the roster casualty when Betts returned."
"So for at least the next two weeks the Dodgers will continue to utilize Espinal as a right-handed option off the bench and candidate to start in place of Max Muncy when a left-hander is on the mound. If or when the team needs to make a roster move involving Espinal, he is out of Minor League options and therefore would need to be designated for assignment."
"That official date is May 24, but Kiké Hernández has indicated he will return when the Dodgers start their homestand the following day. So for at least the next two weeks the Dodgers will continue to utilize Espinal as a right-handed option off the bench and candidate to start in place of Max Muncy when a left-hander is on the mound."
Santiago Espinal earned an Opening Day roster spot after strong Spring Training, but he struggled during the first month-and-a-half of the regular season. Speculation arose about his future as Mookie Betts prepared to return from the injured list. The Dodgers instead optioned Alex Freeland to Triple-A Oklahoma City, suggesting Espinal would remain for the moment. Espinal’s contract was restructured to include an advanced consent clause allowing release within the first 45 days without paying the remaining salary, and the deadline was extended. That extension indicated he was unlikely to be removed when Betts returned. The next potential roster change could come when Kiké Hernández becomes eligible to return around May 24, with a likely return during the following day’s homestand. For the next two weeks, Espinal is expected to serve as a right-handed bench option and potential starter when a left-hander pitches. If a roster move is required, he has no Minor League options and would need to be designated for assignment.
Read at Dodger Blue
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