Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez exited Tuesday’s Wild Card opener early with an apparent back injury.
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According to the ESPN broadcast, Hernandez’s back tightened up, forcing him to exit the game.
Hernandez exited the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when the Dodgers led 8-2. He was replaced by Alex Call, who hit an RBI single and remained in the game in the outfield.
Hernandez was 2-for-3 before exiting the game, and was getting the start in left field despite the right-handed Hunter Greene starting for Cincinnati.
The fact that the Dodgers left Michael Conforto off the Wild Card roster made it clear that LA wanted to get Hernandez in the lineup, considering his postseason resume.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke about the decision to trust Hernandez before the game.
“I think we’ve all seen the level of focus and energy that Kiké brings, especially in October, big factor in wanting to bring him back this offseason,” Friedman said.
“He’s had a good little run here lately and feels like his swing’s in a better spot. And his ability to kind of slow things down and take what the pitcher gives and then also add really good defense on top of it is something we felt really comfortable betting on.”
The Dodgers will provide an update on Hernandez after the game, but the hope is that it was just precautionary given the score.
Kiké Hernandez Injury Update From Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts confirmed after the game that Hernandez is dealing with some back tightness, but flatly said, “he’s playing tomorrow.”
“He has some back tightness, so just, kind of, trying to take care of him in this particular game, getting him ready for tomorrow and beyond,” Roberts said. “But he’ll be in there tomorrow.”
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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