Dave Roberts Reveals Kiké Hernández Availability for Dodgers vs Tigers Series Finale
Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernández is not in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game, but he will be available off the bench, per Dave Roberts.
More news: Mookie Betts Out of Dodgers Lineup One Day After Walk Off Home Run
Hernández was dealing with a stomach illness that prevented him from being in attendance for the Dodgers’ home opener Thursday. The fan favorite did not miss the championship ring ceremony Friday, but was unable to play as he tried to regain strength from the illness.
While Hernández returns to the team, the Dodgers will not having starting shortstop Mookie Betts for the series finale. However, fans can let out of a sigh of relief as Betts is simply getting a day off.
Roberts revealed the reason behind the 32-year-old’s absence from the lineup was because he had not played three games in a row since becoming ill. Nevertheless, Betts is expected to be an everyday starter as the season continues.
There was speculation Hernández had the same illness Betts previously battled, but Roberts said the Dodgers believes there was no connection between the two incidents.
“We felt it would have happened earlier,” he said.
Hernández played in both games of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs, hitting a three-run homer in the historic international matchup. The fan favorite also played in all three games of the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels where he went 1-for-5.
More news: Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Opens Up on Brutal Illness He Dealt With Last Couple Weeks
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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