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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Enrique Hernandez (8) hits a RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning for game two of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Enrique Hernandez (8) hits a RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning for game two of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Finally, Enrique Hernandez is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers! Saving those extra bucks ultimately proves that the Dodgers made the right call, getting a familiar face like Hernandez back on the team. As MLB insider Doug McKain pointed out, it was evident that the Dodgers would get the deal done right before spring training, and Hernandez never really showed any intent to go to another team.
Let’s have a look at his 2024 performance with the Dodgers, when he had a.229 average with a.281 on-base percentage. However, his flexibility is what makes him special—he played in first base across 18 games, 10 games at second base, 71 games at third base, and even as a shortstop, left fielder, and center fielder for the Dodgers. And well, Hernandez even made four pitching appearances; that’s impressive, isn’t it?
MLB insider makes a surprising revelation on Hernandez’s reunion
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The Los Angeles Dodgers star is one of the major contributors, and this move brings both excitement for the fans and familiarity to the Dodgers’ lineup. While Hernandez, a fan favorite, shared his happiness and enthusiasm about getting back to the Dodgers, on February 10, MLB insider Doug McKain said, “We started to talk about guys like Kike Hernandez, and I’ve told you all offseason everything I‘ve heard was that it was just a matter of time that they would get this deal done right before the spring training, right before pitches and catches.”
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Yes, it’s true that Enrique Hernandez never really wanted to go to any other team. McKain went on to say that the Los Angeles Dodgers know very well what Hernandez brings to the lineup, given his flexibility to play different positions, be it on the left field, center field, third base, shortstop, or even as a pitcher sometimes. But that’s not all!
Hernandez’s second stint with the Dodgers was not very great, as he hit .262, helping him to secure a one-year, $4 million deal for 2024. However, he came back strongly by making some adjustments to his swing, which eventually led to a much stronger finish to the season. Hernandez hitting one of the two home runs propelled the Dodgers to snatch the victory from the San Diego Padres, while his consistency in the NL Championship Series with seven hits and four RBIs led the Dodgers to secure the championship title for the second time.
The Dodgers’ teammate shares his excitement with Hernandez’s return
While the Los Angeles Dodgers’ fans cannot keep calm after Enrique Hernandez comes back to the Dodgers, their starting pitcher, Blake Snell, has expressed his excitement to share the clubhouse with him. Snell even captioned a picture of him and posted it on his Instagram handle, welcoming him to the team. However, there’s more—the Dodgers have even signed pitchers Roki Sasaki and Tanner Scott, which would boost their lineup and increase the chances of making it to the playoffs again this season.
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Although Enrique Hernandez had a moderate 2024 season, the Puerto Rican veteran has upped his ante in crucial moments, as in several playoff games, where he performed massively in clutch situations. In the postseason, he batted at an average of.294, scoring two home runs and six RBIs. Going forward, the Dodgers will hope for him to play a significant role in another postseason run.
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So, do you think that the Los Angeles Dodgers made the right call by retaining back Enrique Hernandez? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Did the Dodgers make a smart move bringing back Hernandez, or is it just nostalgia talking?
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Did the Dodgers make a smart move bringing back Hernandez, or is it just nostalgia talking?
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