Kiké Hernandez exits with hamstring tightness

LOS ANGELES -- While the Dodgers were getting no-hit for the second time in nine days, setting a new National League record for frequency futility, they also lost utility man extraordinaire Kiké Hernandez to left hamstring tightness.

Hernandez said he felt something while running through first base trying to beat out a ground ball to second base to end the eighth inning. The feeling was a new experience for him.

"I've never had any hamstring issues before, so I don't even know what I felt," Hernandez said. "I was taken out more as a precaution, but I think I was coming out on the double switch anyway."

Hernandez was met on the infield by trainer Stan Conte, then indeed was removed from the game on a double switch, with Justin Turner coming in to play third base and Pedro Baez to pitch.

The Dodgers say they will know more on Monday morning. Hernandez said there were no plans that he knew of for a scheduled MRI exam, but that doesn't mean one won't happen.

"We'll come in tomorrow and see how it feels, then go from there," Hernandez said.

Hernandez has been a rock for the Dodgers in August, starting 18 of the last 20 games while hitting .353/.397/.529 for the month. He started third base on Sunday for the first time all season, the sixth different position at which he has started this season, including second base, shortstop and all three outfield positions.

Hernandez in the last week took over the primary center fielder role from a slumping Joc Pederson, who since the beginning of July is hitting .147/.295/.257.

Hernandez missing any time, especially with second baseman Howie Kendrick still probably at least a week away from returning and with Yasiel Puig also on the disabled list with a hamstring strain, would hurt the Dodgers depth and versatility, though that could be alleviated somewhat with September call-ups.

With roster limits expanding on Tuesday, it seems unlikely the Dodgers would have a DL move with Hernandez on Monday unless they were absolutely sure he would miss 15 days. But we should find out more on Monday, just how long Hernandez might miss.

Old Record

The Reds held the old National League mark for smallest amount of time between getting no-hit, with 21 days encapsulating both no-hitters against them from June 3-23, 1971.

Up next

The Dodgers welcome the rival Giants to town for three games starting on Monday night, as the Dodgers try to move past the (latest) no-hitter against them.

"It was one of those things where you just tip your cap tonight, and as soon as we leave the locker room all of our thoughts will be on the San Francisco Giants," said starter Alex Wood.

Brett Anderson starts things off on Monday night, a 7:10 p.m. PT start. Jake Peavy starts the opener for San Francisco.