Los Angeles, California — The Dodgers are adjusting their roster after outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a Grade 1 adductor strain. Manager Dave Roberts informed reporters that Hernandez will remain inactive for an unspecified period, leaving the team to navigate his absence.
Hernandez, who exited a recent game with left hamstring tightness, underwent an MRI to assess the injury’s severity. Initial findings prompted the team to take immediate action, sidelining the 32-year-old slugger, who has been a key contributor to the team’s success this season. Currently holding the best record in Major League Baseball at 24-11, the Dodgers face a critical challenge as they adjust their lineup.
James Outman has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill Hernandez’s spot on the active roster. Outman is expected to see increased playing time, particularly against right-handed pitchers, due to his platoon performance tendencies. The young outfielder made a notable debut last season but has struggled to find consistency in the majors, grappling with a career strikeout rate of over 33%. His current stats in Triple-A stand at .254 with a .322 on-base percentage, accompanied by a high strikeout rate.
This season, Hernandez led the Dodgers with an impressive batting average of .315 and nine home runs, marking him as one of the standout players in the outfield. However, overall outfield performance for the Dodgers has been inconsistent. Aside from Hernandez, rookie Andy Pages has demonstrated solid production with a .277 average. Other players in the outfield, including free-agent acquisition Michael Conforto, have not fared as well. Conforto’s struggles have left him with a disappointing average of .146.
Compounding the Dodgers’ issues, Tommy Edman is also on the injured list with an ankle problem, removing another potential outfield option. While Edman has shown capability with a .252 overall average, his absence creates further pressure on the remaining outfielders to step up.
As the Dodgers seek to maintain their winning trajectory, they must rely on Outman to fill the void left by Hernandez. Enrique Hernandez, who has seen limited action in the outfield this season but is known for his versatility, could also play a crucial role in the coming days. Chris Taylor, another outfield candidate, has yet to find his rhythm this season, struggling to produce defensively and offensively.
With important games ahead, the Dodgers will need to adapt quickly to find a suitable combination in their outfield, especially as they aim to preserve their position at the top of the standings amid injury challenges. The upcoming series will be a test for head coach Roberts and his squad as they strive to maintain their momentum without one of their key players.