Dodgers News: Kiké Hernández Will Play Today Despite Back Tightness
Kiké Hernández, who was removed from yesterday’s game due to back tightness, will be in tonight’s lineup per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
LOS ANGELES, CA—As many fans expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to October star Kiké Hernández to solve their left field woes during the postseason, as he was in yesterday’s starting lineup.
Hernández continued his postseason legacy by going 2-for-3 in yesterday’s 10-5 win over the number six seed in the National League, the Cincinnati Reds, but was surprisingly removed from the game in the seventh inning for Alex Call.
During the ESPN broadcast, it was reported that Hernández had left the game due to back tightness, and after the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not seem to be concerned about Hernández’s status for tonight and the remainder of the postseason.
“He has some back tightness. Just trying to take care in this particular game, getting him ready for tomorrow and beyond. But he’ll be in there tomorrow,” Roberts said.
Hernández is expected to be the Dodgers’ starting left fielder for the postseason, since Michael Conforto was not included on their Wild Card Series roster. Losing an additional player from the lineup would have been a significant setback, especially with Will Smith, Tommy Edman, and Max Muncy all dealing with injuries.
Hernández finished the season strong, batting .292/.320/.542 over his last seven games. With Conforto’s ongoing struggles all year, the Dodgers decided to favor the player performing best. Additionally, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman noted Hernández was also selected because of his playoff experience.
“I think we’ve all seen the level of focus and energy that Kiké brings, especially in October,” Friedman said. “Big factor in wanting to bring him back this offseason. That being said, you never know how a season is going to play out and what things are going to look like.”
Hernández’s postseason stats include a batting average of .283/.356/.524, with seven doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 38 runs scored across 87 games and 233 at-bats. In last season’s World Series with the Dodgers, he posted a .294/.357/.451 line.
All indications are that Hernández will be in tonight’s Game Two lineup as the Dodgers look to wrap up the series and clinch a berth to the National League Division Series.
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