'Invaluable' Hernández set for Home Run Derby
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DETROIT -- Outfielder Teoscar Hernández will conclude a strong first half for the Dodgers Sunday in Detroit.
The National League All-Star will participate in Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby, and on Saturday got in “my only practice” for the showcase event, taking cuts at Comerica Park prior to the game against the Tigers. Third base coach Dino Ebel, who will throw to him in Arlington, Tex., fired batting practice pitches to him from behind an L-screen. Hernández laced a good number of shots into the left-field stands.
When asked what Hernández has brought to the team, manager Dave Roberts said, “He’s brought gratitude. He’s brought the ability to play every day. Just consistency of play and a kind of [positive] demeanor.
“He’s been invaluable -- a guy that can go left field to right field. Doesn’t bat an eye where he is in the order. … He doesn’t duck anyone. Day game after night game -- it doesn’t matter. He’s just ready to play and help us win.
“His demeanor has really helped the guys -- it really has.”
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Roberts noted that Hernández adapts to the situation, as he did when he shot an opposite-field single to right field to tie Friday night’s game in the eighth inning before the Dodgers won, 4-3.
“And he’s hit big homers,” added Roberts.
Hernández, 31, is one of a dozen MLB players with two grand slams this season, one of which came in a career-high-tying six-RBI game. He also had a stretch of four homers in four games in the first week of the season. The two-time All-Star is in his ninth season, and played for the Astros, Blue Jays and Mariners before signing a one-year deal for $23.5 million this season with Los Angeles. He’s bet on himself and is coming up a winner.
How has he expressed that “gratitude” with the Dodgers?
“You see it every day,” said Roberts. “A guy that doesn’t complain. A guy that speaks about how happy he is to be with the Dodgers and be a big league ballplayer. It’s the way he treats people -- whether it’s clubhouse people, fans, his teammates, coaches.”
Hernández speaks softly, and often smiles while displaying a twinkle in his eye.
He also carries a big stick.