Although Teoscar Hernández is in a second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after re-signing on a three-year, $66 million contract, this has been his first time playing right field for the team on a full-time basis.
In 2024, Hernández logged 871.2 innings in left field with an additional 436.1 innings as a right fielder. Hernández has spent a vast majority of his time in right field throughout his career and has stated he feels most comfortable there.
Even though Hernández said he was willing to play anywhere in the outfield, the Dodgers obliged him, and he has exclusively played right field.
The question of making the switch back to left field has been brought up multiple times amid his defensive struggles, but the Dodgers have remained committed to the status quo.
Manager Dave Roberts recently stated the team was ‘not there yet’ when it came to the possibility of moving Hernández to left field. Roberts has since reiterated that isn’t a likely scenario.
“Like I’ve said the last couple days, I think it’s certainly a great thought,” Roberts said. “It’s something that is not a 0% chance of happening.
“I haven’t approached Teo yet about it, but it’s certainly something I’ve thought about.”
The Dodgers currently aren’t equipped to make such a change with their current roster, unless they feel comfortable with Alex Call in the lineup against right-handed starters more consistently.
Call has started against right-handed pitchers three times since being traded. He’s gone 2-for-13 with four walks in those games.
If moving Hernández to left field were to come to fruition, it likely wouldn’t be until Tommy Edman returns from the injured list so that he is available to play center field, with Andy Pages shifting to right field.
Mookie Betts not replacing Teoscar Hernández in right field
Another Hernández wrinkle to the discourse around which position Hernández should play for the Dodgers is Mookie Betts’ role. He’s played well at shortstop and thus the Dodgers aren’t inclined to move Betts back out to right field like they did last season.
Roberts said it’s not a possibility that’s been discussed with Betts this year.
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