Dodgers: Top Three Disappointments of the First Half of the Season

Strong spring doesn’t parlay into a strong first half for Hernandez

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This was supposed to be the season that the Dodgers’ spark plug and utility superman Enrique Hernandez transformed into a starting second baseman.  In the spring he was an offensive juggernaut hitting three home runs before a slight cool off at the end of the spring.  Still, Enrique posted an OPS over .800 in the spring.

Despite hitting thirteen home runs so far, Hernandez has struggled to get on base posting an on-base percentage of just .287.  His power and defense have been strong but the only reason he continues to start is due to the injury of Corey Seager.  Once Seager returns, Hernandez will have to fight for playing time.

One area where Enrique has regressed from 2018 is his performance against right-handed pitching.  After being nearly unplayable against righties, Hernandez had a strong 2018 season providing hope for a full breakout in 2019.  However, that has not gone according to plan and Enrique has posted a miserable .193/.253/.373 slash line against right-handed pitchers.

With Chris Taylor’s recent hot streak, Enrique’s second base role is in serious jeopardy.  Throw in the fact that Max Muncy has proven to be above average at second base, and Hernandez may have to settle for his super-utility role in the second half of the season.  Hernandez might be the biggest disappointment of the first half for the Dodgers.