“Skip me and use someone else, Coach Roberts”: Dodgers clutch hitter finds his way back after putting the team first

Teoscar Hernández had been stuck in a slump for nearly two months after returning from a hamstring injury in late June. The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder showed no clear sign that his bat was coming back.

The injury affected more than his timing. His pelvis opened too early, disrupting his hitting balance, while his outfield defense also deteriorated sharply.

As the slump continued, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts considered using other players. Hernández, once a key clutch hitter for the team, had reached the point where he was prepared to give up his starting role for the good of the Dodgers.