Dodgers News: Hernandez Says He’s Trying To ‘Survive’

[new_royalslider id=”315″] The Los Angeles Dodgers carried a four-game winning streak into Tuesday’s game with the San Diego Padres and saw it come to a skidding end in an error-filled game.

Roberto Hernandez was unable to overcome two Hanley Ramirez errors in the second inning and allowed five runs (two earned) in just three innings of work. The right-hander suffered a second consecutive loss and had a grim outlook on his current state, via an AP report on ESPN:

I’m not really sure what’s going on,” Hernandez said through a translator. “It’s a very difficult situation, and I’m just trying to survive.”

Hernandez is now 8-11 on the season with a 4.07 ERA and is 2-3 in six starts since being traded to the Dodgers. The former Philadelphia Phillie got off to a strong start with the Dodgers, but has faded since the early success.

Hernandez’s start prior to Tuesday was his shortest with the Dodgers as he managed to go just 4.1 innings against the Washington Nationals; he allowed four home runs and gave up five earned runs in the Dodgers’ loss.

When the Dodgers acquired the 34 year old, they were in dire need of starting rotation help. Dan Haren was mired in a losing streak and Josh Beckett’s injuries had rendered him ineffective.

Haren has since rebounded and Beckett announced he will not return this season. With Hernandez’s struggles and Haren recovering from his skid, the probability of Hernandez making the postseason rotation has significantly decreased.

With the regular season winding down, Hernandez conceivably would take the mound three more times. Manager Don Mattingly did opt to skip Haren’s starts earlier in the year, though doing so with Hernandez is unlikely.

As it stands, the rotation is aligned so Hyun-Jin Ryu, Zack Greinke and Kershaw would all pitch in the two series against the San Francisco Giants. Kershaw is also on schedule to pitch in the Dodgers’ first game in the postseason or Wild Card match.

The Dodgers could replace Hernandez’s spot in the rotation with Kevin Correia, who has been sent to the bullpen, or Carlos Frias. However, Mattingly appears more inclined to keep Frias in the bullpen.
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