Natalie Scott
The Los Angeles Dodgers high-powered offense has gotten off to a slower start than many anticipated. Los Angeles dropped its last series against the Cleveland Guardians at home, scoring just seven total runs across the three games.
While several Dodgers All-Stars are off to slow starts, one player who stands out is Teoscar Hernandez. The 33‑year‑old veteran is in the second season of his three-year, $66 million contract, and it is an important one for him individually after an underwhelming 2025.
Advertisement
He entered this year with momentum following an impressive spring training, but that success has not yet carried over to the regular season. Through his first six games, Hernandez has five singles in 21 at-bats and owns a .476 OPS.
Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37)© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
(© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)
For a player of his caliber as a two-time All Star and three-time Silver Slugger, his ability to thrive at the bottom of Los Angeles’ order is a key part of why many expected the Dodgers to have the best lineup in MLB. So far, that has not materialized.
Advertisement
On Friday, ahead of a series opener against the Washington Nationals, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke with reporters and announced that outfielder Alex Call would be moved into the starting lineup on Sunday (h/t Maddie Lee of The Los Angeles Times).
Unless Call appears as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement before then, that will likely mark his season debut, as he is not a regular part of the starting nine.
Advertisement
With Call entering the lineup, Roberts will have to decide who sits, and all signs point to Hernandez being the odd man out.
Teoscar Hernandez is the Odd Man Out
Giving Hernandez a day off could be beneficial if his struggles continue. Center fielder Andy Pages is off to a red-hot start and is unlikely to be removed.
That leaves the decision between Kyle Tucker and Hernandez, and considering Tucker was signed to be the everyday right fielder this past winter on a four-year $240 million contract, the choice still figures to be Hernandez, especially since Call typically plays left field, Hernandez’s primary position.
Advertisement
If a brief reset helps Hernandez rediscover his swing, the Dodgers will gladly take it. And with their offense searching for consistency, any spark from the right-handed slugger could quickly shift the tone of their early season.
Related: Dodgers Make Trade With Brewers Before Diamondbacks Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
