Dodgers' Kike Hernandez Forced to Exit Wild Card Game vs Reds With Apparent Injury

"According to the ESPN broadcast, Hernandez's back tightened up, forcing him to exit the game. Hernandez exited the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when the Dodgers led 8-2. He was replaced by Alex Call, who hit an RBI single and remained in the game in the outfield. Hernandez was 2-for-3 before exiting the game, and was getting the start in left field despite the right-handed Hunter Greene starting for Cincinnati."

"The fact that the Dodgers left Michael Conforto off the Wild Card roster made it clear that LA wanted to get Hernandez in the lineup, considering his postseason resume. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke about the decision to trust Hernandez before the game. "I think we've all seen the level of focus and energy that Kiké brings, especially in October, big factor in wanting to bring him back this offseason," Friedman said."

Kiké Hernandez exited the Wild Card opener early with an apparent back injury after his back tightened, according to the ESPN broadcast. He left in the bottom of the seventh inning with the Dodgers leading 8-2 and was replaced by Alex Call, who delivered an RBI single and stayed in the outfield. Hernandez was 2-for-3 before exiting and had started in left field despite Cincinnati starting right-hander Hunter Greene. The Dodgers left Michael Conforto off the Wild Card roster to prioritize Hernandez's postseason experience. Andrew Friedman praised Hernandez's October focus, energy, improved swing, situational hitting, and defense. The team will provide a postgame update.

Read at Dodgers Nation