The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a bit of a funk right now. They have lost eight of their last 10 games, though still hold a seven and a half game lead over the surging Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers just lost a series at the Diamondbacks this past weekend, losing on Friday and Sunday. During the three games, offense was especially hard to come by. They only scored seven runs total across that time, about 2.33 a game.
Los Angeles left fielder Teoscar Hernández was a player who did not have a fun series at Arizona. He went 1-for-11 while batting in the seventh and eighth spots in the order.
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This season has been rough as a whole for the now 33-year-old Hernández. In 84 games, he is slashing .247/.312/.400 (.712 OPS) with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Those numbers are not awful by any means, but Hernández has higher career standards and is being paid $22 million a year to hit. He is not a good defensive outfielder and never has been, even in the corners.
The Dodgers are currently hosting the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set at Dodger Stadium. Manager Dave Roberts announced Monday that Hernández will not be in the lineup Tuesday and that it will be Alex Call in his spot instead.
The veteran Call has played mostly in left field this season, though has experience in all three outfield spots over his five-year MLB career. In 65 games this season, he is slashing .246/.356/.320 for a .676 OPS, one home run and 16 RBIs.
Call is more sure-handed in the outfield, but is in a slump right now. In 26 plate appearances since June 24, he is batting .136 with one RBI. The Dodgers lineup will face a tough right-hander in Michael Wacha (5-8, 3.44 ERA).
There are no health issues with Hernández, so he will likely be back out there on Wednesday in the series finale versus Kansas City. The club will then welcome the NL-best Milwaukee Brewers to town for a four-game weekend set.
