Kiké Hernández is a beloved figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers community and organization for a variety of reasons, including his ability to perform on the big stage and the energy he brings to the clubhouse and dugout.
He is also extremely versatile, having logged multiple innings at every position on the diamond except catcher. That includes 10 innings pitched on the mound in relief.
Hernández made his first pitching appearance for the Dodgers during the 2018 season. He threw an additional 4.1 innings in 2024 and another 5.1 this year.
Hernández debuted a new look on the mound this past season, wearing a pitching helmet on top of his cap. After the conclusion of the season, the National Baseball Hall of Fame approached him with a proposition to have the helmet on display in the museum.
Hernández ultimately declined the invitation, according to his appearance on “Baseball & Coffee” with Adam Ottavino:
“The Hall of Fame was trying to get the helmet from me after the World Series. I was like, ‘Sorry, Hall of Fame. I’ll never be in there, but this helmet goes in my house. I’m not letting you take this helmet from me.’ It’s a one-of-one.”
While the 15.19 ERA in 2025 wasn’t pretty, Hernández enjoyed the opportunity to help the Dodgers’ bullpen rest when the moment allows for it.
Despite the high ERA, it wasn’t all bad for Hernández on the mound in 2025. He had two scoreless outings this past season, including a historic performance against the Miami Marlins.
Hernández allowed two hits in a scoreless ninth inning and made some MLB history along the way. According to OptaSTATS, Hernández became the first player in the modern era (since 1901) to score at least two runs, play multiple positions and throw a scoreless inning in a game he did not start.
He even managed to throw 2.1 innings in a single outing against the San Diego Padres on June 10 while only allowing two runs (one earned).
Kiké Hernandez joined Babe Ruth in MLB history
Back in 2018, Hernandez accomplished a feat that put him in the same conversation as Babe Ruth. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the kind of history a player wants to make.
Hernandez became the first player to play the infield, outfield and allow at least three runs in the same game since Ruth on Oct. 1, 1921.
Furthermore, Hernandez became the first full-time position player in MLB history to allow a walk-off home run.
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