This weekend’s series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox represents plenty of crossover for both teams, with Mookie Betts, Ryan Brasier and Kiké Hernández all returning to Fenway Park for the first time since changing organizations.
The wait has been the longest for Betts, who along with David Price, was traded to the Dodgers in February 2020. Meanwhile Brasier signed with the Dodgers after being released by the Red Sox in late May, and Hernández was traded to the team last month.
It was a whirlwind stretch for the super utilityman, who spoke fondly of returning to the Dodgers organization while also noting he would soon be able to clear the hurdle of playing at Fenway Park once again.
During his appearance on “On Base With Mookie Betts,” Hernández reiterated he is excited to reunite with former Red Sox teammates this weekend:
“It’ll be a little weird, but not as weird as going back to L.A. I feel like it took me almost three years to go back to L.A., and it’s only going to take me like three weeks to go back to Boston. So getting it out of the way quick is kind of a good feeling. I’m looking forward to it. Because everything happened so quick, I didn’t get to say goodbye to everybody. So it’ll be good to get some closure.”
Betts figures to receive a warm reception from Red Sox fans, but the reaction for Hernández conceivably could be a mixed bag. His uncharacteristic struggles this season drew the ire of some fans who considered the trade a positive move for the team.
Hernández nevertheless had an impact during his time with the Red Sox and had a heroic postseason performance that had the team wins away from reaching the 2021 World Series.
And even with his Red Sox tenure ending on a down note, Hernández has consistently reflected fondly on that period of his career.
Red Sox bobblehead giveaway after Kiké Hernández trade
Shortly after their trade with the Dodgers, the Red Sox still moved ahead with a bobblehead giveaway of Hernández in a Puerto Rico uniform from the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The Red Sox checked with Hernández before moving ahead with the giveaway, which included a note written to fans.
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