Dodgers News: Justin Turner Reacts to Kiké Hernández Being Traded Back to LA
The Dodgers have made their first big trade prior to the trade deadline next week. The team acquired utilityman Kiké Hernández from the Red Sox, setting up the reunion that many people saw coming over the last few days.
Hernández now returns to the team that he spent six years with and the team that he helped win the World Series in 2020.
Hernández departed from LA three seasons ago, signing with the Red Sox in 2021. He leaves behind a few other former Dodgers in Boston including Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner.
After news broke of the trade, Turner took to Twitter, letting his feelings be known about the situation.
???
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) July 25, 2023
It seems like Turner might be having some serious FOMO right now. He never wanted to leave the Dodgers in the offseason, but the front office felt it was in their best interest to upgrade with J.D. Martinez.
Turner and Hernández were extremely close during their time with the Dodgers, so when Turner signed with Boston this past offseason, it was exciting.
Prior to the deal, Hernández reportedly told reporters that he was “coming home,” signaling his return to the Dodgers.
Kiké told reporters after being pulled from the batting cage
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 25, 2023
“I’m going home” pic.twitter.com/FTHUhrCgvZ
This move comes as LA has a clear need for more right-handed hitting, especially one who can hit lefties. But Hernández has struggled to hit left-handing pitching this season, as he holds an OPS of just .652 with one home run and seven runs batted in.
The Dodgers are likely banking on a change of scenery to help Hernández find his strike. He was one of the more productive utility players in baseball when he was with LA, so maybe he can re-kindle the fire.
Either way, Hernández was a fan favorite during his time in LA, and this is a fun reunion. Hopefully, he can produce at a high level and help the Dodgers stay atop the NL West. This is likely the first of a few moves from the Dodgers before the deadline ends.
Welcome back Kiké! We hope to see some banana costumes at Chavez Ravine really soon!
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Red Sox and Dodgers share a common enemy…the Yankees! We Dodger fans celebrated with the Red Sox when they beat the Yankees in 2004 so dramatically. Now we have their super-hero Roberts managing the Dodgers!.