The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost two of their best hitters in Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernandez, who are both on the injured list.
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Edman’s departure from the lineup opened the door for infielder Hyeseong Kim. The four-time Gold Glove winner from the KBO signed a three-year, $12.5 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason, but began the season in the minors to work on his swing.
Kim was called up and has been the primary replacement for Edman. On Monday, Hernandez left in the fourth inning of the Dodgers’ 7-4 win with left hamstring tightness.
Chris Taylor replaced the All-Star in the outfield once he exited the game. In recent days, the Dodgers have shifted Andy Pages to right field. There won’t be a clear-cut replacement for Hernandez, but the team will platoon players while he’s on the IL.
“He’s had a huge impact,” manager Dave Roberts said of Hernandez. “I just think it’s going to be more of a platoon-based roster right now and we’ll kind of go from there.
“A guy that can take professional at-bats, drive in runs – he’s certainly going to be missed.”
Thus far, the Dodgers have used a combination of Taylor, Kim and James Outman in the lineup to replace Hernandez. Kiké Hernandez will also get more action, either at second base or in the outfield.
The Dodgers have endured a slew of injuries early this season, but have somehow managed to remain atop the NL West. The defending champions currently have the best record in baseball.
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Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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