Teoscar Hernández was removed from Monday’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins due to what was later announced as left hamstring tightness.
Following the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed concern over the severity of Hernández’s injury and stated that he was scheduled to undergo an MRI. Roberts also mentioned that Hernández was experiencing some discomfort in his adductor as well.
Upon further testing, the Dodgers were able to identify that Hernández suffered a grade 1 abductor strain, according to Roberts on SportsNet LA:
“It was a Grade 1 adductor. With Teo, he doesn’t come out of baseball games, so put him on the IL. Obviously he’s going to be inactive for a while. I don’t really know a timetable. I think that’s all contingent on when he starts back up again. But unfortunately, we’re going to lose him for a little bit.”
Hernández was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a left groin strain and his absence is expected to be an extended period:
“Certainly weeks. I just don’t know how long. I really don’t know.”
Hernández became the second Dodgers’ position player to be placed on the IL in the last week, as Tommy Edman is also on the shelf with right ankle inflammation.
The loss of Hernández will be a significant challenge for the Dodgers lineup to overcome. After earning a well-deserved three-year, $66 million contract in the offseason, he has continued to be a powerful presence at the plate.
Hernández had a fantastic month of April, batting .330/.326/.638 with eight doubles, seven home runs and 24 RBI in 94 at-bats. He has been swinging an especially hot bat lately, with a .448/.467/.690 slash line in his last seven games.
Hernández’s slugging percentage on the season ranks third in MLB, and he is also in the top-15 in terms of batting average and on-base plus slugging percentage. At the time of going on the injured list, Hernández also was leading the Majors with 34 RBI.
Teoscar Hernández’s injury creates opportunity
James Outman made the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster for the Tokyo Series but he did not appear in either of their two games against the Chicago Cubs.
While playing in 32 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Outman has hit .254/.322/.508 with seven doubles, one triple, eight home runs and 27 RBI.
Outman started in center field on Tuesday and is expected to be part of the Dodgers mixing and matching in their outfield during Hernández’s absence.
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