The Los Angeles Dodgers made a final round of Spring Training roster cuts prior to the exhibition Freeway Series opener, and seemingly set their active roster for the regular season. Chris Taylor was among the players optioned, which cemented Kiké Hernandez’s standing with the team.
Hernandez and Taylor had been competing for one of the remaining bench spots as utility man and backup shortstop. The other competition — between Trayce Thompson and Scott Van Slyke — broke in Van Slyke’s favor.
Deciding between Hernandez and Taylor was briefly put on hold, because the former was hit by a pitch on his right wrist early this week. Hernandez was sent for x-rays, which came back negative, and he returned to the lineup Thursday.
Although Hernandez figures to spell Corey Seager at shortstop, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the decision to tab Hernandez over Taylor was due to his ability to play center field, via Austin Laymance of MLB.com:
“I think with Chris, that move was solely based on [Hernandez’s] ability to play center field,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I think that when we finalized our roster, just looking at Chris Taylor versus Kiké, it was tough. Chris had a great spring, but our comfort with Kiké to play center field to spell [Joc Pederson] and also shortstop to spell [Corey Seager] at times, I think won.”
Taylor began playing center field this spring for the first time his career. It was a role he embraced, with the hope it would lend to being with the Dodgers on Opening Day of the 2017 reason. Taylor committed one error in 26 innings in center field this spring.
He outhit Hernandez, batting .370/.500/.522 with three doubles, two triples, three RBI, and tied for the team lead with 11 walks.
In addition to having more experience in center field, Hernandez is capable of playing the corner outfield positions, whereas Taylor is not. Hernandez is hitting a lowly .189/.302/.270 in limited time (13 games) with the Dodgers this spring.
He joined Team Puerto Rico for the 2017 World Baseball Classic, and did not return to Camelback Ranch until after Puerto Rico lost in the WBC Final to Team USA. The 25-year-old didn’t have any regret over briefly leaving the Dodgers for the WBC while in the midst of a roster competition.
Hernandez had four hits (one triple), two RBI and three strikeouts in 15 at-bats over six WBC games.
