The last time Kiké Hernández wore a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, the team won a World Series.
Dodgers fans are hoping for a repeat of that magic after the team landed Hernández in a trade Tuesday with the Boston Red Sox.
The team announced the deal via Twitter.
He's baaaaack.
Welcome back to LA, @kikehndez! pic.twitter.com/ELvCdVbu0E
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 25, 2023
MLB.com reported the Red Sox will get a pair of right-handed relievers in exchange for Hernández: Nick Robertson, 25, who has a 6.10 ERA in nine MLB appearances, and Triple-A pitcher Justin Hagenman.
The 31-year-old utility man, who can play the middle infield positions as well as the outfield, played six seasons in Los Angeles, becoming a fan favorite in the process. After the Dodgers won the 2020 World Series, he left for the Red Sox in free agency.
Hernández, who hit 68 home runs with a .737 OPS in his previous stint in LA, is slashing .222..279.370 this season.
The Dodgers wasted no time finding their returning player a new uniform.
There's a first for everything! Here's a look at Kiké Hernández in his new @Dodgers threads.
(Trade per https://t.co/pVNcnNRdUW’s @Feinsand) pic.twitter.com/hB5yvFwWL2
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 25, 2023
Hernández will provide valuable depth for a team that lost middle infielder Gavin Lux for the season after a spring training injury.
While Dodgers fans are happy to have the versatility and charisma Hernández brings, his departure from Boston left Justin Turner, his teammate with the Dodgers and then again this season with the Red Sox, feeling sad.
😢😢😢
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) July 25, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.