The Los Angeles Dodgers endured a significant injury scare when Corey Seager recently underwent an MRI exam on his left knee after being removed from a game due to reported soreness. Fortunately for the Dodgers, the results showed a knee sprain for Seager, and not structural damage.
While the injury is not serious, because of the timing and recovery period, Seager’s status for Opening Day on April 4 against the San Diego Padres is currently in jeopardy. If Seager is unavailable, the Dodgers would turn to super utility man Kiké Hernandez.
“With Seager being out, Kiké is getting the lion’s share at shortstop,” manager Dave Roberts said. “If Corey is not healthy then Kiké would start, but we’re still optimistic (on Seager).”
Hernandez underwent an arthroscopic clean up of his throwing shoulder during the offseason. As expected, he recovered in time to participate in Spring Training, but wasn’t quite 100 percent just over two weeks ago and therefore couldn’t play the outfield.
That’s no longer the case, however, Seager’s injury has altered the plan with Hernandez. “We were planning on playing outfield late last week and again this week,” Hernandez said.
“But with Corey going down, it changes things a bit. I’m still expecting to play outfield here soon. My shoulder is ready to play everywhere.” Hernandez, who hasn’t fared particularly well at the plate, hit his first home run of the spring on Tuesday.
He got off to a slow start last spring before turning the corner and finishing tied with Joc Pederson for the team lead with six home runs. Last season, Hernandez played in 76 games for the Dodgers. He spent 19 of those in center field, 17 at second base, 15 at shortstop, 13 in left field and one at third base.
For much of the offseason it appeared the 24-year-old utility man would form of a platoon with Chase Utley at second base. However, that changed when the Dodgers re-signed Howie Kendrick to a two-year contract.
