Entering the 2017 campaign, outfielder Kike Hernandez seemed like a guaranteed spot on the Opening Day 25-man roster, addressing the fallacy regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers inability to hit left-handed pitching.
Hernandez ultimately won the roster spot, despite a strong spring from Chris Taylor, who began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but soon made his impact at the big league level.
Hernandez’s overall utility has always been the key factor during his tenure with the Dodgers, allowing them to mix and match different lineups with a calmness about Hernandez’s ability to play every position.
The Puerto Rico native got off to a bit of a slow start to the season. Although he wasn’t mustering many hits, his hits proved to be crucial towards the outcome, whether bringing runners home or setting himself up in scoring position with extra-base hits.
Hernandez was able to stay relatively healthy throughout the entire season, in his sporadic role starting against southpaws and filling in defensively whenever called upon.
The season was a culmination of all the heartache Hernandez went through, including some family health issues and the passing of his grandfather.
The 26-year-old proved to be a hot commodity for a team that milked the 10-day disabled list, collecting career-highs in games played (140), plate appearances (342), and at-bats (297). With a slashline of .215/.308/.421, he totaled 24 doubles, 11 home runs, and 37 RBIs, which were all career-highs.
Hernandez had a very strong postseason, recording eight hits in 25 at-bats (.320 batting average), which included a double, three home runs and eight RBIs.
2017 Highlight:
The Dodgers entered Game 5 of the National League Championship Series with a chance to close out a series at Wrigley Field, against the same Chicago Cubs team that eliminated them from the 2016 postseason. With the winds blowing in all directions, Hernandez put together a career night in the limelight, with baseball fans from all over the world watching.
Hernandez smashed three home runs against the Cubs, for a total of seven RBIs. His first home run came against Jose Quintana, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.
He then stepped to the plate in the top of the third inning, delivering a first-pitch grand slam against Hector Rondon that went over the right-center wall. Hernandez was then able to deliver a final dagger into the hearts of Cubs fans everywhere, hitting a third home run in the top of the ninth that gave the Dodgers an 11-1 lead and send them to their first World Series since 1988.
2018 Outlook:
Hernandez is arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason. The Dodgers tendered him a contract, so if they can come to an agreement, which is likely, he will be back with the Dodgers in 2018. He will likely once again play a super-utility role for Los Angeles, starting against left-handers and providing strong defense at any position on the field.
