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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Kiké Hernandez will be the primary second baseman for the team.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts confirmed what had become obvious -- Kike' Hernandez will be the primary 2B. Chris Taylor will be the utilityman, moving around between 2B, LF with occasional SS or CF
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 23, 2019
Roberts needed to fill the vacant second baseman position after the departure of veteran Chase Utley and it was down to two options - Hernandez and Chris Taylor.
With a stellar Spring Training performance, Kiké outperformed his competition.
In 50 at-bats, Hernandez is hitting .300 with 15 hits and three homers, only striking out for a total of six times. He’s found his rhythm and Roberts sees it, too.
After joining the team in 2015, Hernandez has served as the Dodgers’ superutility star - seeing time at every position except catcher.
Yes, he has even pitched.
Hernandez had quite the relationship with Utley, whose position he is filling.
Hey dad, “do you like?” (@YasielPuig voice) pic.twitter.com/8hcu4SXZvz
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) May 26, 2018
“Dad, we’re going to the #WorldSeries!” pic.twitter.com/hq6zWYYMC1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 21, 2018
It’s only fitting that Hernandez will take over his dad’s place.