Dodgers: Kiké Hernandez Continues Hot Streak With Playing Time
In a season of pleasant surprises and unsung heroes for the Dodgers, Kike Hernandez has exemplified such qualities in 2018.
The Dodgers honored their fan-favorite with Kike’s first ever bobblehead game on Tuesday night. This promotion could not have come at a better time with Hernandez playing the best baseball we have seen from him at the Major League level.
For the first time in his career, Hernandez is seeing consistent time on the field. He is performing at a high level all over the diamond and in recent weeks, the 26-year-old utility player has become arguably the most valuable player in the Dodger lineup.
The Offense
Over the last 14 games, he is batting .333 with six home runs. Halfway into the season, Hernandez has already set a career high with 13 home runs.
For Hernandez, his home runs have come in big moments for the Dodgers. We all remember his three home run game in the NLCS in Chicago last year, but his clutch hitting has transferred over to this season as well. Eleven of his home runs have come in moments where the game was within two runs.
The Defense
Right field belongs to Yasiel Puig. But he shares with Kiké Hernandez! (via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/Rmq39rNBtD
— Chavez Ravine Fiends (@RavineFiends) July 2, 2017
With all that he has produced on the offensive end, Hernandez’s true value comes on the defensive end. In the last 14 games, he has played all three outfield positions as well as shortstop and second base. This year he has played every position except for pitcher and catcher.
https://twitter.com/NextSportStar/status/988844435491483650
In each of those positions, Hernandez has played elite level defense. He has made only four errors on the year and has not made an error in the outfield.
His defensive versatility allowed the Dodgers to stand pat and not have to trade their top prospects when Corey Seager, Justin Turner and Logan Forsythe fell on the disabled list early this year.
Overview
After several years of being an unsung hero off the bench, Kike is finally getting more playing time. He has done it all from his clutch hitting to his defensive prowess. Hernandez is finally putting his skills together and getting his long-deserved recognition.
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Kike had regular playing time in CF 2015 taking over for Joc Pederson. An injured hamstring derailed his season. He hit .307 overall in 2015..He hit .393 w/ a .431 OBP playing CF. Also lots of AB’s playing 2nd and SS that year, hitting well at both positions. That was his breakout season but this organization seems to want him off the bench. Out of spring training this year I though Kike was the next Cris Taylor. How does a guy hit that good in ST and not have a position to play everyday? I guess this is my late “why I love Kike” post.