Cody Snavely
The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the all-star break and trade deadline with more questions than answers. While the pitching depth, overtaxed bullpen, and inconsistent offense were glaring issues that would be addressed, the Dodgers bench was perhaps the biggest hole on the team, filled with multiple below-league-average hitters.
Among that group was utilityman and fan favorite Kiké Hernández, who the Dodgers re-signed late into the offseason before spring training games officially started.
Despite having traded for Manuel Margot during the offseason as a throw-in during the massive Tyler Glasnow trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Dodgers decided to bring back Hernández due to their familiarity with him and his ability to come in clutch during October.
However, it has not been the best season for Hernández. For most of the season, he has been a below-average hitter, and many fans expected the Dodgers to DFA or release him once more players return from the injured list.
Hernández, a seasoned veteran, knew he needed to adjust to continue playing, but this time, it wasn’t mechanics but a trip to the eye doctor.
Yes, since the series in Detroit just before the Major League Baseball all-star break, Kiké Hernández has been wearing prescription eyeglasses, which have helped him increase his offensive numbers exponentially.
During the first half of the regular season, Hernández had a .191/.258/.299 slash line, a .557 OPS, and 60 wRC+ in 213 plate appearances. However, since he started wearing glasses, those numbers have jumped in the second half, where he is hitting .276/.337/.434 with a .772 OPS in eighty-three plate appearances.
Hernández has also been on fire during the month of August, hitting .324/.390/.514 with a .904 OPS and 154 wRC+ while holding down third base. Max Muncy continues to make progress toward his return, which is expected to be the Dodgers’ next homestand.
When asked whether the glasses impacted his offense as of late, Hernández had this to say.
I mean, I would say yes; I started wearing them the series in Detroit for the first time in my life. And that series was kind of a little bit weird, because depth perception and all that. But the All-Star break was huge for me to get used to the glasses off the field. And once we were able to get back on the field, it was a smooth transition. And I’m not going to say no. I mean, it’s been timing. I’m seeing the ball better. I guess I needed them.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also agreed that the glasses have helped Hernández over the last few weeks, stating that he can now see the ball better, pick up spin, and has a better feel for the strike zone.
Hernández’s resurgence could also explain why the team decided to DFA Amed Rosario yesterday. With Hernández swinging a hot bat and Gavin Lux also being the Dodgers’ best hitter in the second half, there was no real spot on the roster for him.
Hopefully, the glasses aren’t a gimmick, and the offense that Hernández has provided thus far is not a fluke and continues throughout August until October when the lights shine brightest.
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