Home/MLB

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

0
  Debate

Debate

Can the Dodgers survive without Teoscar Hernandez, or is this injury a season-ending blow?

Teoscar Hernandez teoscar hernandez

Yesterday’s been a rough night for the Dodgers. Their cleanup hitter, Teoscar Hernandez, might be heading to the injured list after a tough hit on his left foot. Hernandez took a pitch right to the foot during Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Matthew Boyd delivered a masterclass on the mound, outdueling Landon Knack with five scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Andrés Giménez stepped up in the sixth inning and made his mark with a two-run homer that put the Guardians ahead. 

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t mince his words when asked about Hernandez’s condition, saying, “Not great.” Roberts mentioned they’ll give it a couple of days to assess how Hernandez recovers. While the X-rays came back negative, he’s still in a lot of pain. Hernandez is set for more tests on Saturday, so we’ll have to wait and see what the full diagnosis will be. After the match, Roberts did give us a hint about the injury’s gravity. Fingers crossed he’s back in action soon—this team’s going to need him as the season heats up!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Teoscar Hernandez’s potential journey to the IL 

In the latest Dodgers Bleed Los podcast video, the team’s manager Dave Roberts gave an update on Teoscar Hernandez’s situation after Friday night’s game. When asked how Hernandez was doing, Roberts didn’t sugarcoat it but also gave a bleak prediction: “He’s as tough as they come and could barely move his foot, so I don’t see how it’s not gonna be an IL.” The injury happened when Hernandez took an 80-mph slider from Matthew Boyd right to his lower leg. The Dodgers’ training staff quickly tended to him at home plate, and despite the pain, Hernandez managed to walk to first base.  

USA Today via Reuters

But not long after, he had to leave the field, and Chris Taylor stepped in. It’s a tough blow for the Dodgers, and fans will be holding their breath hoping Hernandez’s recovery goes smoothly. Teoscar Hernandez has been making quite an impact in his first season with the Dodgers, batting .266 with 28 home runs and 87 RBIs. He even brought home the Home Run Derby trophy in July, adding a shiny accolade to his resume during the All-Star festivities in Arlington, Texas.

However, the Dodgers’ injury woes continue to pile up. This season, they’ve already seen Mookie Betts return from a broken hand, Freddie Freeman bounce back from a fractured finger, and Max Muncy come off the IL after a three-month stint due to an oblique strain. Pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are still out, adding to the team’s challenges. Just earlier on Friday, right-hander Gavin Stone was also sent to the injured list. 

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Dodgers survive without Teoscar Hernandez, or is this injury a season-ending blow?

Have an interesting take?

Dodger’s suffering roster update

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Gavin Stone, the Dodgers’ lone starter who had managed to take every turn this season, is now facing a setback with shoulder inflammation. On Friday, the team placed him on the injured list, adding yet another layer of uncertainty to an already fluctuating rotation. Stone’s return isn’t entirely off the table for this season, but the timing is definitely tricky. Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, mentioned that Stone will be shutting down his throwing for “10-ish” days. After that, it’s a wait-and-see game. “I’m optimistic he is going to do everything he possibly can,” Friedman said, holding onto hope as the team navigates yet another injury challenge.

USA Today via Reuters

With just 25 days left until the postseason kicks off, the Dodgers are juggling a lot of pitching uncertainty. They’ve got four key starters currently on the IL: Gavin Stone, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Clayton Kershaw. The good news? Yamamoto is set to make his return and start Tuesday’s game. He’s been sidelined since mid-June with a strained rotator cuff, so don’t expect him to go more than four innings just yet. Glasnow, who’s been out since August 11 with elbow tendinitis, will throw a bullpen session on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As for Kershaw, his situation is a bit murkier. He exited his August 30 start against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a bone spur in his left big toe, and his return timetable remains uncertain. With the postseason looming, the Dodgers are crossing their fingers that their rotation can get back to full strength. Jack Flaherty is the only pitcher with a solid spot in the rotation. Walker Buehler has been showing some encouraging signs lately, but beyond that, the pitching staff is still a bit of a question mark. To help manage the current situation, the Dodgers have called up right-hander Landon Knack and left-hander Justin Wrobleski for some temporary relief, while sending Michael Peterson down to make room.

Do you think these moves will help get the team in a strong position for October? Let us know below.