Teoscar Hernandez exited the Dodgers’ 3-1 loss to the Guardians on Friday after being struck on the left ankle by a pitch from Cleveland’s Matthew Boyd. Teoscar Hernandez clearly struggled with pain as he left the field, and while initial x-rays showed no fractures, the injury is currently being described as a foot contusion.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that further tests on Hernandez’s ankle are planned, but it seems likely that Hernandez will be placed on the injured list. Roberts noted Hernandez’s toughness, saying, “He could barely move his foot… He doesn’t come out of games. Usually, the pain subsides for him, but it hasn’t this time. It’s concerning.”
Updates on Hernandez’s condition are expected later on Saturday, but with a stint on the IL looking probable, there’s uncertainty about whether Hernandez will return this season. The Dodgers are aiming for a deep playoff run, which could be significantly hampered without Hernandez. They currently lead the NL West by four games over the Padres and 5.5 games over the Diamondbacks, but the division title is not yet secured.
Hernandez is also set to become a free agent this winter, making Friday’s game potentially the end of his tenure with the Dodgers. After a challenging 2023 season with the Mariners, Hernandez signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal with Los Angeles last winter, aiming to rebound and re-enter free agency this offseason. He’s had a solid season, hitting .266/.331/.488 with 28 home runs and earning an NL All-Star selection.
Hernandez has been a key stable force for the Dodgers during a season marked by numerous injuries to their pitching staff and significant absences of players like Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. With the potential loss of Hernandez, the Dodgers may rely on Enrique Hernandez, Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, or Tommy Edman to fill the left field position. James Outman is also a likely candidate for a call-up from Triple-A, which could help manage the outfield situation while allowing Lux and Enrique Hernandez to focus more on infield roles.