Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Wood, Kershaw, Ariel Hernandez, Trade

Alex Wood pitched yet another great game on Sunday, May 20th, but this time the 27-year old southpaw received run support from his team. The quality pitching and offensive showing earned Wood his first victory of the season and moved the Dodgers into fourth place in the NL West and just five games out of first place. But, for Wood, the start was not all perfect as he had to be removed from the game by Dave Roberts and team trainer, Nate Lucero during his warm-ups for the seventh inning. Roberts shared after the game that Wood’s ailment was nothing more than a cramp and there was nothing to worry about. The Dodgers have dealt with a laundry list of injuries this year and they should be relieved to know that Alex Wood will not join that list.

Other Notes…

• Clayton Kershaw, as mentioned in yesterday’s Quick Hits, successfully threw a 30-pitch bullpen prior to the series finale with the Nationals. Dave Roberts told reporters that the session went well with no complications and Kershaw was on the path to returning to a major league game. However, Roberts was not willing to put a timetable on Kershaw’s recovery. Despite his lack of comments on the situation, many are anticipating the Kershaw might make his first appearance in three weeks this coming weekend.

More from Dodgers Way

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• Are the Dodgers really prepared to hand Shohei Ohtani a blank check?
• Dodgers fans shouldn’t dismiss interest in Dansby Swanson for this reason
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers

• Back in April, the Dodgers traded minor league slugger, Ibandel Isabel, and minor league pitcher, Zach Neal, to the Reds in exchange for hard-throwing right, Ariel Hernandez. Hernandez had been DFAd by the Reds and the Dodgers were eager to scoop him up as he possesses a fantastic curveball and upper 90s fastball. Hernandez, even prior to the trade, was known for having very poor command of his pitches but he was capable of getting outs with his raw movement on his pitches. This year, Hernandez has continued to struggle with control and after a recent promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Hernandez has had a hard time even getting outs. In 3.1 innings, Hernandez has an 8.10 ERA, three strikeouts, and five walks surrendered. While it was never anticipated that Hernandez would make a difference in the big leagues in 2018, his minor league showing has been a disappointment. His performances will be worth monitoring moving forward.

• In a recent clip of Ken Rosenthal, the highly regarded reporter suggested that the Dodgers acquire Jose Abreu from the White Sox as soon as possible. Whether you agree or disagree with the idea, the acquisition of Abreu could be an interesting move for a Dodgers team that has recently started to pick up wins and play quality baseball. Abreu is hitting .308 on the season with eight home runs and 25 RBIs. The move could work now especially since the Dodgers are clearly willing to put Cody Bellinger in the outfield. There have been no rumors of this trade nor is there any indication it could happen but, the idea is not bad.

Next: Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Hill, Kershaw, Muncy, and Santana