Editorials

Dodgers News: Mattingly Anticipates Return Of Kiké Hernandez

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt that the Los Angeles Dodgers have been struck by the injury bug this season. The club has had numerous players go down due to several health issues and they can add Justin Turner to that list. An MRI on Tuesday revealed that Turner, third baseman, has tendinitis and a bone bruise in his left knee.

Being that the Dodgers are thin at third base they need any and all the help they can get, and it so happens that it may be on the way. Kiké Hernandez who has been battling a strained hamstring is set to return soon and most likely fill in at third base.



Dodger manager Don Mattingly discussed the elements that Hernandez brings to the team. “Obviously he brings a lot of energy, but he’s also able to play different spots,” said Mattingly. “I think that’s the thing he gives you, with that versatility. The combination in center field with Joc [Pederson], you can kind of go either way and still feel like the defense is good.”

Prior to his injury Hernandez was having a terrific season on both sides of the ball. At the plate he put together a .308/.350./.492 line to go along with six home runs and 21 RBIs. On the defensive end the utility man was also vital as he played several positions including outfield, shortstop, second base and third base.

Mattingly added that Hernandez can be inserted anywhere on the field and have success.

“I haven’t had any trouble with Kiké anywhere,” he said. “We put him at short and he’s been good, we put him at second and he was good. He’s been good everywhere we put him. We haven’t seen him there [third base] as much because we haven’t needed to. Anywhere I put Kiké on the field, it seems like he can do the job.”

The Dodgers have done a good job of filling in for injured players and inserting others into the lineup. And although Hernandez may not be back for a week or two, he’s expected to make an immediate impact.

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