During games with a wide difference on the scoreboard, the Dodgers have taken the liberty of trying different players in different positions, looking for Ohtani not to be the only two-way player in their ranks. They did so in their recent series against the Padres and now against the Giants, a game in which it was not a reliever who took the mound but Enrique Hernandez.
However, this has been interpreted as disrespectful and excessive behavior, considering that these teams are abusing the strategy of putting position players to pitch, a sign that could be interpreted as arrogant, violating fair play
While for many users this is part of the game and contributes to the spectacle, the main objective of the sport. On the subject, MLB analyst Ben Verlander joined the debate:
“Honestly it’s pretty embarrassing for the Dodgers to put Enrique Hernandez on the mound with an 11-0 lead and then have to bring in another pitcher when the gap is 11-5,” wrote Verlander on his X account.
Why does Verlander think the Dodgers’ behavior is shameful?
Verlander’s comments may be based on the fact that the game was in an ideal situation for the Dodgers, with a comfortable 11-0 lead. However, by bringing in Hernandez, the Giants managed to score five more runs, forcing the Dodgers to use an outfielder to complete the game. According to Verlander, putting Hernandez in did not serve any purpose for the Dodgers, but rather reduced the lead.
It is a sporting nonsense to put him in that position, because to practice shooting he could do it in training and not in an official match, against a rival shackled far behind on the scoreboard.
However, while some fans agree with Verlander’s opinion, calling the play disrespectful, another huge sector defends the strategy as a legitimate way to manage pitcher fatigue in an extended season.
As happens whenever there is any potential change in baseball, not everyone agrees. “The Dodgers, who are winning, did that, so disrespectful, to put an infielder to pitch against the Giants,” wrote one fan.
“It’s a baseball problem. The amount of position players now pitching is ridiculous,” wrote another fan, noting that the trend goes beyond the Dodgers. This year, for example, Brewers’ Jake Bauers pitched in back-to-back games on March 30. Therefore, the use of position players as pitchers is gaining ground in MLB, especially as it helps preserve pitchers’ arms for high-pressure situations.
What happened to Enrique Hernandez?
Although Enrique Hernandez allowed four runs in his recent appearance against the Giants, it is important to note that his performance on the mound against the Padres was different. In 2.1 innings, he allowed only one earned run, a surprising performance, even in a role far removed from his usual duties.
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