The Los Angeles Dodgers had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 4-3 walk-off loss to the Colorado Rockies on Monday after Teoscar Hernández failed to come up with multiple catches in right field.
The 32-year-old was unable to make a running catch in the ninth inning that resulted in a one-out double and set the table for the Rockies’ victory.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stopped short of blaming the loss on Hernández, but again called for him to play better defense in right field.
As Hernández remained in right field on Tuesday night, Roberts said the Dodgers as a team can stand to make improvements defensively, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“I think, just in totality, we can all do a better job,” Roberts said. “All of us. So I just refuse to pin it on one position, one person. … That’s just not what I do. But I do believe … if there’s ways to get better on the margins, I think that way to look at it is completely fair and completely honest.
“I do know that Teo feels more comfortable in right. I know the numbers don’t speak to it this year. I’m counting on him to improve play out there. I really am. I’ll leave it at that.”
After spending most of the 2024 season in left field, Hernández moved back to his preferred position of right field after re-signing with the Dodgers on a three-year, $66 million contract.
While the defensive metrics indicate Hernández hasn’t taken much of a step back with his performance, watching some of his plays would suggest otherwise.
There have also been several instances where Hernández is taken out of a game for defensive purposes, but that wasn’t an option in the series opener against the Rockies due to the game being tied and Hernández’s spot in the lineup due up if the Dodgers had forced it to the 10th inning.
Moreover, the Dodgers’ outfield defense as a whole isn’t necessarily a strong suit of the team. Andy Pages has made improvements but still endures some growing pains in center field, and Michael Conforto is a bat-first left fielder.
Will Teoscar Hernández remain in right field?
The Dodgers remain committed to Hernández in right field for the time being, but they could eventually move him off the position when key players return from the injured list.
Tommy Edman and/or Hyeseong Kim could potentially see more time in center field when they are activated, which would free up Pages to play right field and in turn see Hernández shift back to left field.
Mookie Betts doesn’t appear to be an option to move back to right field and will continue playing shortstop going forward.
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