After spending the last three seasons as the team’s primary utilityman, Kiké Hernandez won the starting second base job for the Los Angeles Dodgers to begin the 2019 season after a very strong spring. Meanwhile, Chris Taylor is expected to take over Hernandez’s utility role.
Hernandez carried his strong spring into the regular season on Thursday, slugging two home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Dodgers’ 12-5 victory on Opening Day. Overall he went 2-for-3 with a walk, driving in and scoring three runs.
This is the first season that Hernandez is going into with a starting spot, essentially knowing what position he is going to be playing every day. All of the factors combined made for an unforgettable season opener, via SportsNet LA:
“Yeah, I mean, it’s been really hard to get to the point where I am now; the road’s not going to get any easier. But, yeah, obviously having a position set, makes this one more memorable. It’s the one you always dream of, being in the starting lineup, having a position. It’s definitely one I will never forget.”
Hernandez wasn’t the only Dodger to have a good day at the plate as the team hit a Major League record eight home runs.
Joc Pederson hit two of his own, while Austin Barnes, Corey Seager, Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger each chipped in one of their own in what was a memorable day at Chavez Ravine.
While it was only one game, on Thursday the Dodgers looked like a team on a mission to get back to and win the World Series in 2019 after being defeated in the Fall Classic in each of the last two years.
