Fantasy News

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Starts at third base

  Rotowire Apr 18, 2024

  Espinal made a second consecutive start at third base in place of an unavailable Jeimer Candelario (illness) on Wednesday and went 0-for-3 in a 5-1 loss to the Mariners. Espinal is 0-for-6 in the two starts and hitless over his last eight at-bats. With a scheduled day off Thursday, Candelario could be ready to go Friday at home against the Angels.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Delivers three runs in win

  Rotowire Apr 13, 2024

  Espinal started at third base and went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Friday's 11-1 win over the White Sox. Espinal delivered one run on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning then put the coda on the game with a two-run single in the ninth. He's typically in the lineup against left-handers but made his first start against a righty Friday, filling in for a slumping Jeimer Candelario. Both of Espinal's hits Friday were off lefties.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Starts at second base

  Rotowire Apr 9, 2024

  Espinal started at second base and went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 10-8 win over Milwaukee. Espinal was inserted to the starting lineup after Jonathan India (leg) was scratched. Cincinnati manager David Bell does not view India's injury as significant. Espinal has started three of the last four games, with all of those coming against left-handers.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Starts at third base

  Rotowire Apr 6, 2024

  Espinal started at third base and went 0-for-3 with a walk and stolen base in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Mets. Jeimer Candelario served as the designated hitter after leaving Wednesday's game with a sore elbow. It's unclear if Candelario will be limited to DH duties, but if so, Espinal could fill in at third base. He's expected to slot in somewhere anytime the Reds are facing a left-hander. Espinal is 1-for-10 with two walks and two steals through four games (three starts).

  ... See More ... See Less

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Fills in at third base

  Rotowire Apr 4, 2024

  Espinal entered Wednesday's 4-1 win over Philadelphia after third baseman Jeimer Candelario (elbow) was removed from the game. Candelario felt elbow soreness during an eighth-inning at-bat and was replaced in the field by Espinal for the final inning. Candelario told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com that he was feeling better following the game. He'll be checked out before Friday's game against the Mets, and pending that evaluation, Espinal could start at third base.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Starts at second base

  Rotowire Mar 31, 2024

  Espinal started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Nationals. Espinal moved into the starting lineup for the first time during the regular season, slotting in against a left-hander. Jonathan India, who handled the keystone for the first game when a right-hander was on the mound, moved to DH. Those two are expected to lock down the position while Matt McLain (shoulder) is on the 60-day injured list.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Reds' Santiago Espinal: Shipped to Cincinnati

  Rotowire Mar 20, 2024

  The Blue Jays traded Espinal to the Reds on Wednesday in exchange for Chris McElvain. With Matt McLain (shoulder) set to miss the opening portion of the season and Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games, the Reds will bring in Espinal to give their infield a bit more depth heading into Opening Day. Espinal slashed .248/.310/.335 across 254 plate appearances last season with the Blue Jays, and he will likely serve as the main backup to Jonathan India at second base in Cincinnati. His versatility may net him a few starts across the infield.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Fighting for roster spot

  Rotowire Mar 13, 2024

  Espinal went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. The 29-year-old infielder is batting only .200 (4-for-20) this spring, but that masks a strong performance at the plate that also includes a 5:2 BB:K. Unfortunately for Espinal, one of his main competitors for a utility spot, Ernie Clement, has been on fire in camp, going 10-for-25 with two homers and zero strikeouts. Given the defensive flexibility already provided by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Cavan Biggio and Davis Schneider, there probably isn't room for two more bench infielders on the 26-man roster, so Espinal will likely have to begin his season at Triple-A Buffalo and wait for injuries to open up a spot for him in the majors.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Agrees to terms

  Rotowire Jan 11, 2024

  Espinal agreed to a one-year, $2.725 million deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports. The 29-year-old utility player saw 20-plus games at second base and third base last season while playing 16 games at shortstop. His defensive versatility makes him more valuable in real life than in fantasy.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Returns to bench

  Rotowire Aug 20, 2023

  Espinal is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds. Espinal went 4-for-21 with three runs and two RBI while starting in each of the past six games, but he appears primed to see fewer opportunities moving forward while he transitions back into a utility role. Bo Bichette, Kevin Kiermaier, Matt Chapman and George Springer have all returned from recent injury-related absences, bringing the Toronto lineup back to full strength.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Nabs fourth straight start

  Rotowire Aug 16, 2023

  Espinal will start at third base and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Phillies. Espinal will stick in the lineup for the fourth game in a row, with each of his last three starts now coming at third base in place of the injured Matt Chapman (finger). Though he's held his own over the last three games with three hits, two RBI and two runs over 11 at-bats, Espinal will likely be headed back to a utility role in the near future, assuming Chapman is able to avoid a trip to the injured list.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Takes live batting practice

  Rotowire May 26, 2023

  Espinal (hamstring) took live batting practice Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. Espinal is working out at the Blue Jays' player development complex in Florida as he recovers from the right hamstring strain he suffered May 20 against the Orioles. He still has a lot of hurdles to clear, including agility drills and running, but the 28-year-old could feasibly be ready to return to Toronto's active roster in the early part of June.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Placed on 10-day IL

  Rotowire May 22, 2023

  Espinal was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Blue Jays on Monday with a right hamstring inflammation, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. There had been hope Espinal would avoid the IL and the fact that the Jays are calling it inflammation and not a strain would seem to suggest they're just being extra cautious. Otto Lopez is up to take Espinal's roster spot.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: May not require injured list

  Rotowire May 21, 2023

  Espinal, who is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles with a hamstring injury, said he shouldn't need a trip to the injured list, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. The 28-year-old exited Saturday's contest with a right hamstring issue, but it doesn't appear to be a serious injury. Even if available, Espinal isn't guaranteed to rejoin the starting nine within the next couple days since Toronto's position players are otherwise healthy.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Exits early Saturday

  Rotowire May 20, 2023

  Espinal exited Saturday's contest with the Orioles early with a right hamstring injury. He went 3-for-3 before leaving. Espinal was forced out of the game in the top of the eighth inning with right leg discomfort, which is now understood to be hamstring related. Whit Merrifield replaced him at second base and will bat eighth for the remainder of the contest. More information on Espinal's status will likely be provided after the game.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Back in lineup Wednesday

  Rotowire Apr 26, 2023

  Espinal (wrist) is starting at second base and batting ninth Wednesday versus the White Sox. After suffering a right wrist contusion Saturday when he was hit by a Gerrit Cole fastball, Espinal had been available off the bench for both of the Blue Jays' first two games this week against the White Sox but went unused. He'll now get the chance to re-enter the lineup, as Whit Merrifield will moves from the infield to left field while Kevin Kiermaier gets the afternoon off.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Available off bench

  Rotowire Apr 25, 2023

  Espinal (wrist) was available off the bench for the Blue Jays during Monday's win over the White Sox, MLB.com reports. Espinal had to exit Saturday's game versus the Yankees after being hit on the right wrist by a pitch, but tests came back negative and he's been cleared to play. The infielder is off to a 4-for-35 start at the plate this season.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Requires more testing

  Rotowire Apr 23, 2023

  Manager John Schneider said Espinal (wrist) will undergo additional medical testing Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. Espinal had X-rays come back negative on his bruised right wrist after being hit by a pitch Saturday, but more medical testing is still necessary. The 28-year-old should still be considered day-to-day but seems unlikely to be available for Monday's series opener versus the White Sox.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: X-rays negative on wrist

  Rotowire Apr 23, 2023

  Espinal is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees, but X-rays on his bruised right wrist returned negative, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. Espinal was fortunate to avoid any structural damage to his wrist after being hit by a pitch in Saturday's 3-2 loss, but he may be down for a day or two while he waits for the bruising to subside. The Blue Jays still have Cavan Biggio on hand as a utility infielder if Espinal isn't available off the bench.

  ... See More ... See Less

• Blue Jays' Santiago Espinal: Undergoing tests on wrist

  Rotowire Apr 22, 2023

  Espinal was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion after getting hit by a pitch Saturday against the Yankees and is undergoing further evaluation. The Gerrit Cole fastball forced Espinal to exit the game, and depending on the results of the tests, it could force him to miss some time. Cavan Biggio would be in line for an expanded role if that happens.

  ... See More ... See Less