The Los Angeles Dodgers have been looking for a right handed bat at the trade deadline, and apparently they have found their guy in none other than old friend, Kiké Hernandez.
Hernandez and cash were sent to the Dodgers, in exchange for relief pitchers Nick Robertson and Justin Hangenman.
The move came as a surprise to many Dodgers fans, as Kiké is not having his best year offensively. He also is not having the best year defensively either, having 11 errors unfortunately to his credit at shortstop.
Before Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Manager Dave Roberts said that they see something they can fix in Kiké’s swing to help him perform better. “It’s going to be very clear, his role on the club”, Roberts said. Hernandez is expected to platoon against left handers and is expected to start Wednesday’s game against Yusei Kikuchi.
Hernandez of course had been with the Dodgers for both the failed 2017 and 2018 World Series runs, and for the 2020 Championship. He was not re-signed by the Dodgers after that season, and has been with the Boston Red Sox ever since.
Kikê is only batting .222 so far this season, but the Dodgers may want him for the playoffs, as that is where he has excelled. Over seven postseasons, he has hit 13 homers, driving in 27 and posting a career .900 OPS.
Hernandez could see time both in the infield and outfield while platooning. He will be wearing number 8, as the Dodgers have since retired his previous number 14, for Gil Hodges.
Roberts also remarked to reporters that the Dodgers also may not be done looking for a right handed bat, but now their focus is more on starting pitching.
To that front, there are some updates to the starters currently on the injured list.
Clayton Kershaw threw another bullpen on Tuesday, and came out of it feeling good, again. The next step is to throw to live batters, and if that goes well, hopefully be activated next week.
Noah Syndergaard will continue his rehab in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Could he be moved to the 60-Day IL if he doesn’t improve and the Dodgers trade for a starter?
Trayce Thompson has seemingly finished his rehab time in Arizona, and is joining Oklahoma City Tuesday night. He will start in centerfield and bat third in their lineup.
Relief pitcher Ryan Sherriff has also joined the Dodgers organization. He has signed with a minor league deal, and has also joined the OKC club.