A three-time World Series
champion, Dodgers
utilityman Kiké Hernández
has had his fair share of clutch hits, home runs and game-saving, series-defining
moments that will forever be etched in baseball lore.
Earlier this month, however, he witnessed something new.
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On March 7, hours after Atlanta Braves
second baseman Ozzie Albies
hit the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic
history to power Team Netherlands past Nicaragua in Miami
, Athletics prospect Darell Hernáiz
delivered a game-winning blast of his own to lift Team Puerto Rico over Panama in extra innings in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Hernández stormed out of the dugout at Hiram Bithorn Stadium alongside his teammates to greet Hernáiz at home plate and celebrate the monumental moon shot.
Read more: Blake Snell throws first bullpen session of spring training, taking key step forward
"There had never been a walk-off homer in the history of the WBC, and we [got] to see two in the same day, which was pretty cool," Hernández said at his clubhouse stall at Camelback Ranch. "For me personally, I was running to home plate, conscious that I wasn't necessarily part of the team so I couldn't run laps around home plate, like I did on Freddie [Freeman's] walk-off homers [in the World Series], but it's still up there as one of those really cool moments that I'll always remember."
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Unable to participate in this year's WBC as he recovers from offseason left elbow surgery, Hernández left Dodgers
camp to spend the first leg of the tournament with Team Puerto Rico.
"I got to experience it in a different way this year," said Hernández, who has played twice in the WBC. "I was just kind of there as a fan, almost in like a coaching role. I get a lot more nervous when I'm not playing, because I really don't have any power over it. I don't have any control over what's going on, so it was pretty nerve-wracking."
He added: "Obviously, seeing that stadium packed out was pretty special. And of course, I'm still bummed that I don't get to be a part of it, but I still support my people, and I'm still hoping they can win."
During a Team Puerto Rico news conference last week, Hernández told reporters in Spanish
that the WBC rates above the World Series. Hernández, who's played in five World Series, elaborated on his statement.
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"I said it feels bigger," Hernández said. "I didn't say it's bigger. Atmosphere, crowd, you're representing your country. You're not representing a city. You don't always choose who you play for. Sometimes that's out of your control and you know, when you're representing your country, you're playing along with your homies. Sometimes you're playing along with people that you grew up with. Your people back home are rooting for you, at times.
"You're playing in the United States, you're playing for different teams, and sometimes they're rooting against you. And for us, coming from our little island, the things that we can do for our island while the tournament is going on, it becomes a lot bigger than baseball, to where, it does not always feel that way when you're playing for an organization in Major League Baseball."
Hernández will be in Houston
for Puerto Rico's quarterfinal game against Italy on Saturday, and he said he doesn't know if he would go to Miami if Puerto Rico reached the semifinals.
"I haven't had the conversation yet with Andrew," Hernández said, referring to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman
. "I only asked permission to go to Houston. We win in Houston, he might get another text message if I can go along for the ride, but haven't decided yet."
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Read more: Dodgers prospect James Tibbs III attempts to show staying power after multiple trades
As for his rehabilitation from surgery, Hernández said he's progressing rapidly and hopes to return in late May, when his 60-day IL stint expires.
"I'm not surprised that it's going well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
said. "End of May, beginning of June is probably a safe bet. Something like that."
Kyle Tucker
hits first home run in Cactus League play
Dodgers left fielder Kyle Tucker
hit his first home run of spring training to lead off the sixth inning of Friday's 10-7 win over the Seattle Mariners
in Peoria, Ariz. Tucker also walked twice and scored twice as the Dodgers also got homers from Teoscar Hernández
and James Tibbs III
, his third of the spring.
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"Man, it's just fun to watch him compete in the batter's box," Roberts said of Tucker.
Injured relief pitchers Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol are progressing in their respective rehabs, Roberts said before Friday's game. Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery, while Graterol is working his way back from right shoulder surgery. Graterol hasn't pitched in a game since the 2024 World Series.
"It's going," Roberts said. "I think [Phillips had] a pen today. It's a short ten to fifteen-pitch pen, but it's good effort, and he's trending in the right direction. I think that with Evan, with some other guys that are continuing to build up, Graterol is another one, just continuing to build up, so they're in their progression, but they're still a ways away."
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times
.
