While the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of entering the All-Star break, Teoscar Hernández is about to enter a busy stretch.
He’s among six Dodgers All-Stars and is going to begin the week by participating in the Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field. Hernández had publicly lobbied to be part of the field and was named to the 2024 event as the final participant.
Prior to the Dodgers facing the Detroit Tigers on Saturday afternoon, the two-time All-Star resumed Home Run Derby preparations with third base coach Dino Ebel.
It represented the second day Hernández and Ebel went through the practice of taking swings.
HR Derby practice for #Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez pic.twitter.com/eKNsnIWOqv
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 13, 2024
Some Home Run Derby practice for Teoscar Hernández. pic.twitter.com/68DJDtgcfm
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 13, 2024
Teoscar Hernández prepping for the HR Derby today pic.twitter.com/iDBVyTGwaN
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) July 13, 2024
#HRDerby prep. pic.twitter.com/JJYN3jTenT
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 13, 2024
14 in 39 swings https://t.co/W2PKFASS1r
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 13, 2024
Ebel has prior Home Run Derby experience, which with the Dodgers includes pitching to Joc Pederson in 2019. It’s the fourth time Ebel has thrown in a Home Run Derby, and he paired with Vladimir Guerrero Sr. in 2007.
Mookie Betts, who was selected to the 2024 All-Star Game as well but can’t play due to injury, used Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough to throw to him in last year’s Derby.
Hernández is competing in the event for the first time in his career. The 31-year-old leads all National League outfielders this season with 19 home runs, however he has not hit one since July 3.
Can Teoscar Hernández change Dodgers Home Run Derby history?
Dodgers’ history in the Home Run Derby leaves plenty to be desired, with Joc Pederson arguably the lone bright spot. Odds are stacked against Hernández but he has flashed plenty of power on his long balls throughout the season.
However, his latest round of swings producing only 14 homers could spell more trouble for Dodgers in the Home Run Derby.
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