Kiké Hernández the odd man out with upcoming roster crunch?
As the Red Sox enter the All-Star break, the club will have roster decisions to make as players get healthy.
Infielder Pablo Reyes has completed his rehab stint with Triple-A Worcester and was with the team in Boston on Sunday. Reyes was not activated prior to the game but is expected to rejoin the team for next weekend at Wrigley Field.
Once Reyes is activated the Sox have to decide which middle infielder is the odd man out? Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang and Kiké Hernández are three on the roster spending time between second base and shortstop.
There’s a strong case to be made that Hernández should be the odd man out and designated for assignment.
Hernández has struggled all season both offensively and defensively. Earlier this season, his lack of production at the plate and his throwing errors in the field forced Alex Cora to use Reyes and David Hamilton at shortstop.
Hernández has made 15 errors this season, 14 at shortstop and one at second base. Entering Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Athletics, he is just hitting .222 with 11 doubles, six homers, 31 RBI, three stolen bases, .606 OPS and 64 wRC+.
His overall 2022 performance makes Hernández the most likeliest DFA candidate during the All-Star break to make room for Reyes.
Cora already told reporters prior to Chang coming off the IL that he was going to be the starting shortstop. That two roster spots for three players.
Reyes has performed well since his trade from the A’s back in May. He’s posted a .303 average, .702 OPS in 27 games before getting hurt while on the road in Minnesota.
Boston could DFA Reyes upon his return, but if they do, that move wouldn’t make much sense unless Hernández becomes someone who plays three times a week and will be used more in the outfield. With the recent play from Jarren Duran in center field, Hernández’s only role with this team is as a backup.
The Sox signed Hernández to a one-year, $10 million extension before last offseason and he was instrumental in the recruiting process to many free agents during the winter. The versatile infielder is well liked in the clubhouse and by the coaching staff, but his lack of production overall is significantly hurting the Red Sox.
Boston could explore trading Hernández and a potential dance partner could be the Dodgers. Los Angeles is reportedly looking for a right-handed bat and his versatility could play well back with the Dodgers.
Trevor Story will begin rehab assignments after the All-Star break and once he’s ready at the end of July or early August, the Sox will need to make another roster decision. Chaim Bloom could wait to jettison Hernández then, but Boston is showing signs of life in the Wild Card race and need to have their best 26 players moving forward.
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