After some peaks and valleys throughout the 2018 season, Kiké Hernandez emerged as a steady, if not prolific, contributor for the Los Angeles Dodgers during August and into September. That included having success against right-handed pitching, which historically gave him trouble.
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Rather that ride that momentum, the start of the postseason has brought about tough times for Hernandez. He hit a home run in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, but otherwise has just two hits to go along with four walks (one intentional) and 12 strikeouts in 33 plate appearances over 11 games (10 starts).
“I think that he’s got to get back to the fundamentals of trying to find the barrel,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday.
“I think there’s a little over-swinging going on. And I think there’s a little bit of trying to get results, and that’s tough. Because you look at the scoreboard and you see your postseason average.”
Despite his skid, Hernandez was in the lineup for Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. The Dodgers made history in the Fall Classic by sending out a lineup with nine right-handed batters, and they repeated it in Game 2.
Hernandez went a combined 0-for-6 with three strikeouts in the two contests. Despite the struggles, Roberts is maintaining confidence in his super utility man and is placing a value on what he brings in the field.
“Kiké, he’s a guy that has come through in a lot of big moments for us. I love the defense when we’re on the field. And there’s just certain players that I just believe in,” Roberts said. “And I think that he’s on that list. Just the preparation, he doesn’t scare away from big moments. I just feel that he’s going to get some big hits for us.”
With the Red Sox starting right-hander Rick Porcello in Game 4, the Dodgers are expected to make multiple changes to their lineup. One of which Roberts has already confirmed to be Joc Pederson batting leadoff.
Considering how the club has relied on platoons, Hernandez will be among the players appearing off the bench Friday.
