Dodgers Trade for Old Friend Kiké Hernandez; Injury Updates

Published on by Andy Lane Chapman

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been looking for a right handed bat at the trade deadline, and apparently they have found their guy in none other than old friend, Kiké Hernandez.

Hernandez and cash were sent to the Dodgers, in exchange for relief pitchers Nick Robertson and Justin Hangenman.

The move came as a surprise to many Dodgers fans, as Kiké is not having his best year offensively. He also is not having the best year defensively either, having 11 errors unfortunately to his credit at shortstop.

Before Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Manager Dave Roberts said that they see something they can fix in Kiké’s swing to help him perform better. “It’s going to be very clear, his role on the club”, Roberts said. Hernandez is expected to platoon against left handers and is expected to start Wednesday’s game against Yusei Kikuchi.

Hernandez of course had been with the Dodgers for both the failed 2017 and 2018 World Series runs, and for the 2020 Championship. He was not re-signed by the Dodgers after that season, and has been with the Boston Red Sox ever since.

Kikê is only batting .222 so far this season, but the Dodgers may want him for the playoffs, as that is where he has excelled. Over seven postseasons, he has hit 13 homers, driving in 27 and posting a career .900 OPS.

Hernandez could see time both in the infield and outfield while platooning. He will be wearing number 8, as the Dodgers have since retired his previous number 14, for Gil Hodges.

Roberts also remarked to reporters that the Dodgers also may not be done looking for a right handed bat, but now their focus is more on starting pitching.

To that front, there are some updates to the starters currently on the injured list.

Clayton Kershaw threw another bullpen on Tuesday, and came out of it feeling good, again. The next step is to throw to live batters, and if that goes well, hopefully be activated next week.

Noah Syndergaard will continue his rehab in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Could he be moved to the 60-Day IL if he doesn’t improve and the Dodgers trade for a starter?

Trayce Thompson has seemingly finished his rehab time in Arizona, and is joining Oklahoma City Tuesday night. He will start in centerfield and bat third in their lineup.

Relief pitcher Ryan Sherriff has also joined the Dodgers organization. He has signed with a minor league deal, and has also joined the OKC club.

26 thoughts on “Dodgers Trade for Old Friend Kiké Hernandez; Injury Updates”

  1. I’m happy with the aquisition if it means that I see Mookie’s name less often at an infield position. I understand the Dodgers’ infield needs, but the possibility of infielder collision injury is too high to risk a player with his offensive skills.

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    1. Infielder collision meaning two infielders colliding? Seems to me outfielders collide more often than infielders. But maybe an infielder colliding with an outfielder is the most common.

      Also, I think you’ll find that Kike spends more time in the outfield than in the infield for the rest of this season. but I could be wrong about that.

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      1. Mookie says he prefers the midfield rather than the outfield. I would guess the Dodgers will accommodate him more often especially in 24. But his versatility is still very valuable. Kike would fit in the outfield well and if he can hit lefties could help. Going forward I am sure AF and Kasten are always thinking several years ahead. That is why I do not think the Dodgers will sign anyone but a relatively inexpensive rental as it is not clear who will be in the rotation in 24/ I am guessing as are many that Kersh retires with shoulder wear. And the Dodgers may attempt to sign Ohtani and re-sign Urias.

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      2. He has says he doesn’t get as much wear and tear on his legs in the infield, and has more energy not having to run all the way out to right and back every inning

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      6. Jeff: Collisions with baserunners. There’s always the next Machado around. I’ll give you that there are arguments for 2B. His metrics during his limited time at 2B are good, surprisingly good. And this is the first year of his career that his RF metrics have returned to average, although that arm. On a per-inning basis, he’s still racking up RF assists like crazy.

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      7. Ah, hadn’t considered collisions with baserunners, but I think I’m willing to risk it IF that’s where he’d rather play. If he’d rather play the outfield, that’s fine too. There are risks no matter where they put him.

        I say, keep Mookie happy and our chances of winning go up.

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    2. Accidents can happen anywhere. If he’s happily playing the infield then I think that’s where he should be so long as it works with the rest of the team. Less on his legs too

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  2. Kike is a low cost possible great return deal. Especially if they think they can help his offense. I always loved his spark and adding a great clubhouse guy is always good for a club especial one with his Dodger and playoff experience. Like was always clutch for the Dodgers in the playoffs where it counts.

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  4. Kike is not having a good year, but is a popular Dodger, good teammate and upgrade to Yonny Hernandez. Hopefully he hits well in his platoon roll.

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    1. Who cares if he’s popular? We need someone good! Why not Arenado or even “popular” Justin Turner? Both are way better than Kike.

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      1. Bob, feel free to post this comment next Wednesday, but there are still lots of trades to come. Some will probably be made by Andrew Friedman. He hasn’t indicated that by getting Kike all of his needs are now taken care of.

        The Red Sox still haven’t decided if they’re buyers or sellers. All they knew yesterday is that they wanted to move Kike, and so they did. They may still trade JT, although I seriously doubt he fits on the Dodger 2023 roster as currently constructed.

        The Cardinals probably still haven’t decided if they want to trade Arenado, but even if the answer is yes, they’re going to let the buying frenzy build so they can get the highest return, and that won’t happen until Monday or Tuesday, if it happens at all.

        I understand your frustration, but the best is yet to come……………………………..maybe.

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      2. The main point is Kike is an upgrade to the current bench not that he is popular with fans snd teammates There will likely be other acquisitions more to your liking.

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  5. Arenado is probably off the table for now as AF rarely has overpaid. I just don’t think they are going to get too crazy unless they can find reasonable deals probably at the last hour. I have been reading on different boards and it’s a sellers market. Cartaya is not having a great year and Rushing is climbing fast will they trade him?

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    1. I know that I am the most optimistic/rose, colored glasses, one of the bunch, but I think Kiké be fine. He’ll be happy to be back in LA and he does have a very good reputation for being great in the playoffs. I am more worried about who they get as a starter.

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      1. I expect more than one starter. Just way too much uncertainty with the current group.

        I’ve had this premonition for the past week that Rich Hill is coming back, but I think there will be one or two others as well.

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    2. Well you know what they say. You can’t have too much pitching or too many 220 hitters. We have lots of 220 hitters but jeff is right we need 3/4 more starters. Oh wait we have all those pitching prospects. Guess we are good.

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      1. They traded Thor for another one! Rosario. Woohoo
        Outman is up to 250 and looks good at the plate. He is inexperienced but looks like he can adapt.

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