Kiké Hernández Expected to Be Ready for Dodgers Opening Day; Dave Roberts Reveals His Role
The Dodgers dominated headlines yet again on Monday, when they re-signed utility man Kiké Hernández to a one-year deal, following a trade of outfielder Manuel Margot. It wasn’t an expected move, as over the weekend, reports showed four finalists for Hernández, with none of them being Los Angeles.
But at the end of the day, Hernández clearly wanted to remain with the Dodgers. After spending the majority of his career in Los Angeles, he wanted to return for another World Series run.
Despite signing so late in the offseason, Hernández is expected to be available for the team’s Opening Series against the San Diego Padres in Korea. He had double hernia surgery over the offseason, but the team isn’t too concerned with his recovery — or his late start to camp.
This move is massive for L.A., as it now gives them more flexibility to build out different lineups. His ability to play both the infield and outfield allows the Dodgers to use him in multiple situations throughout games.
Dave Roberts Talks Kiké Hernández’s Role With Dodgers
After the Dodgers’ 9-4 Cactus League win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, manager Dave Roberts spoke about Hernández’s potential role on the team. He said he’ll primarily play against left-handed pitching and could spend time at center field, shortstop and third base.
Hernández looked like a completely different player upon his arrival in Los Angeles at the trade deadline last season. He entered hitting just .222 with six home runs and 31 runs batted in over 86 games. In 54 games with the Dodgers, he hit .262 with five home runs and 30 runs batted in over 54 games.
His level of comfortability with the organization likely played into his success and could be a factor as to why he re-signed. He has quickly become a fan favorite over the years, so this signing is impactful off the field, just as much as on it.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Welcome back, Kike! Unfortunately, that also means that Friedman-Gomes did NOT need to trade away Jonny DeLuca. WTF?
Jonny DeLuca did not fit in the long-term plans of the Dodgers. There were too many people in front of him in the minors and when they didn’t trade Vargas, DeLuca was a gonner. He will get more of a chance with Tampa Bay than he was ever going too get with the Dodgers, sad but true. If he makes it with the Rays, good for him…
Perhaps TB insisted on his inclusion.
Way to Go Dodgers ! Talk about Management hitting a Homerun for All Dodgers Fans , this is it . Welcome Back Kike , Dodgertown is now ready for take-off …. !