Teoscar Hernández was omitted from the Dodgers' lineup as the team sought to avoid a sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The decision reflected prolonged offensive struggles, especially versus right-handed pitching, and defensive lapses that suggested a lack of effort. Alex Call started in right field and has produced improved offense and reliable defense recently, with strong numbers in his last 15 games. A two-day reset was viewed as a potential remedy to Hernández's slump. Since June 1 Hernández has a .209/.252/.382 line in 68 games, a .634 OPS and a 72 wRC+, the lowest marks on the team in that span.
Roberts didn't say it was a planned day off, but said the performance was part of the reason for his lineup decision. "I think clearly he hasn't handled right-handed pitching, I think a two-day reset can help," Roberts said. "He's an everyday guy, but I do think where we're at, you've got to perform to warrant being out there every single day, regardless."
Instead of Hernández, it was Alex Call who started in right field. Call has hit .244/.333/.378 in 22 games with the Dodgers since being acquired from the Washington Nationals, while also playing quality defense. But more recently, Call is hitting .300/.387/.467 in his last 15 games. Meanwhile, Hernández is hitting .185/.233/.389 in his last 15 games, also adding poor defense that often looks like a lack of effort.
"I just think it's to the point of the urgency piece," Roberts said. "You've got to perform. Certain guys earn and deserve from what I see. "If you play well, you're going to play, and I think that's the way it should be. Especially with where we're at right now."
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