The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a sweep over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday with a 4-0 win that was notable for Shohei Ohtani setting a new franchise record.
Ohtani recorded an RBI with his leadoff home run in the first inning, extending his streak of driving in at least one run to 10 consecutive games.
Later in the matchup, Ohtani was nearly the victim of a foul ball while standing on the dugout steps during a Kiké Hernández at-bat.
However, Dodgers bat boy Javier Herrera got his hands up just in time to make a catch and save the two-way star.
Ohtani gave a shout out to Herrera on social media, calling him his “hero.”
Shohei Ohtani made sure to give a shoutout to Javier Herrera. https://t.co/yB9N1y4Yaq pic.twitter.com/xRBeFNRfV1
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 29, 2024
Herrera was unfazed by the catch, calmly nodding his head and handing the baseball over to a fan sitting next to the dugout.
Dodgers players, coaches and other team personnel had different reactions. Will Ireton, Ohtani’s current interpreter and the Dodgers manager of performance operations, emerged from the clubhouse tunnel with his mouth open in a shocked expression.
Meanwhile, manager Dave Roberts rose to his feet to applaud Herrera’s heads-up play.
Considering the importance of Ohtani to the Dodgers and their lineup, especially with Mookie Betts and Max Muncy out, Herrera’s efforts will prove to be one of the most important catches in MLB this season.
Javier Herrera downplays saving Shohei Ohtani from foul ball
Herrera initially downplayed his heroic feat when speaking to the media about the viral event, but later admitted he was impressed by the catch after watching the film.
While saving players from foul balls isn’t part of the job, some of Herrera’s responsibilities as a Dodgers bat boy are helping retrieve player’s equipment during games, bringing out new defensive alignment cards and taking baseballs to the home plate umpire.
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