Dodgers' Dave Roberts Still Has Hopes for Struggling Veteran Fan Favorite
The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to yet another stellar start in 2025, leading the entire MLB with their 54-32 record through 86 games. The Dodgers hold an eight-game lead in their division, and have been led by many of their stars in 2025.
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However, one Los Angeles mainstay has struggled in 2025. Dodgers' veteran utility player Kiké Hernández has had a rough start to the season.
Hernández is hitting just .206 with a .660 OPS, and he's struggling even more against left-handed pitching, hitting just .188, which has been his strength throughout his career.
However, Dave Roberts recently gave his vote of confidence in the veteran, that he trusts Hernández will be able to turn it around.
'Part of [Hernández'] role on the team is to be productive versus left-handed pitchers," Roberts said (h/t Dodgersnation.com). "He's shown it throughout his career. I think that giving (Michael) Conforto a day here or there versus a lefty, giving Max (Muncy) a day here or there versus a lefty, I think that makes a lot of sense.'
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Roberts acknowledged that giving some other guys a shot is in the cards, but that Hernández's track record speaks for itself.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The veteran is in his 12th year in the MLB, and his ninth with the Dodgers. He's become a fan favorite in Los Angeles with his stellar defensive play and timely production in the postseason.
In his career with the Dodgers, he's never been one of the stars at the plate during the regular season. His career average in Los Angeles is just .237 with a .719 OPS. However, he ranks in the 79th percentile among qualified players in Outs Above Average, and his postseason hitting has helped the Dodgers win in October.
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Hernández has played postseason baseball in nine of his 12 years in the MLB and holds an impressive .278 BA with an .874 OPS, and 15 home runs to go with 35 RBI.
In the Dodgers' World Series run last season, the veteran hit .294 with an .808 OPS, and the year prior, he hit .375 in the postseason.
The Dodgers' fan favorite may be struggling this season, but he's earned the trust and hope of his manager based on his track record throughout his career and the postseason. Plus, there are plenty of other stars to carry the weight as Hernández works through his struggles.
It's also worth noting, last season Hernández started the first half of the season hitting .191, and finished the season with a .274 BA. So, there's reason for optimism that the Dodgers' veteran will eventually break out of his slump.
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Related: Dodgers Prospect Dud Expected to Be Wanted During MLB Trade Deadline
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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