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Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Alex Verdugo Understands Strategy But Felt Reds Intentional Walking Kiké Hernandez Was ‘Slap In The Face’
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Alex Verdugo Understands Strategy But Felt Reds Intentional Walking Kiké Hernandez Was ‘Slap In The Face’

Matthew Moreno
April 17, 2019
3 Min Read
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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After watching Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Julio Urias and Walker Buehler all make an impact for the Los Angeles Dodgers over recent seasons, fellow top prospect Alex Verdugo envisioned himself doing the same in 2019.

Verdugo produced back-to-back productive seasons with Triple-A Oklahoma City, which led to a general expectation he would begin the season on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts alluded to as much, but there still remained a sliver of doubt.

That was erased when Brad Miller opted out of his Minor League contract in favor of becoming a free agent, though Verdugo claimed to not be aware of any sort of competition for a roster spot.

After initially receiving limited pinch-hit opportunities, Verdugo has seen his role increase as the season has wore on. He started in right field Tuesday night and delivered his first career three-hit game.

One of those was a two-run double in the eighth inning, which came on the heels of the Cincinnati Reds intentionally walking Kiké Hernandez. Although Verdugo admitted to understanding the strategy, he used the perceived slight as motivation, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:

“It’s a slap in the face, a little bit, you know?” Verdugo said. “That’s the way I think of it. But you understand it from a baseball aspect. You got [Hernandez] up there, right versus lefty, [and he] hits lefties extremely well. The base is open at first. It’s a smart play. It’s the baseball play. But, for me, I carry that with a little bit of an extra chip on my shoulder. I want to do damage and make lefties pay too.”

Verdugo has now logged five at-bats against a left-handed pitcher, with three resulting in an extra-base hit: double, triple and home run.

Roberts recently praised his young outfielder and credited him for capitalizing on whatever chances have come his way. Roberts added Verdugo’s consistent at-bat quality was earning him more starts moving forward.

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TAGGED:Alex VerdugoLos Angeles Dodgers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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