WASHINGTON _ Enrique Hernandez was on the Los Angeles Dodgers' roster Sunday against the Washington Nationals. He won't be on it Monday when they open a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies in Denver. He will go on the injured list with a left hand injury of some sort. The Dodgers have known this since at least Saturday, but the exact ailment is unclear because the Dodgers have declined to divulge details.
Hernandez underwent an MRI exam Friday, two days after he injured his hand on a swing against the Los Angeles Angels. He hasn't played since. All weekend, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts maintained he didn't know the results of the exam, but that the injured list was "inevitable" for Hernandez. He also maintained Hernandez was limited to defense and baserunning, effectively leaving Roberts with a short bench.
Asked if Hernandez is expected to miss a significant amount of time, Roberts said he would take the under on a month.
"Our goal was to kind of get him through this weekend just to have coverage as far as on the defensive side, potential baserunning if we need it," Roberts said.
The most obvious possible replacement for Hernandez is Gavin Lux, the Dodgers' recently minted top prospect by Baseball America. The 21-year-old middle infielder thrived for double-A Tulsa and has been on a tear since joining triple-A Oklahoma City last month. But Roberts said the team isn't considering Lux, citing the desire to have Lux play every day. Roberts said his playing time with the Dodgers would be scattered. It's a philosophy they implemented with catcher Will Smith until he was called up Friday. Being so far ahead of their divisional competition affords such luxuries.
The Dodgers don't have a player they're comfortable with playing shortstop on the 40-man roster with Chris Taylor already on the injured list with a left forearm fracture. Daniel Castro and Drew Jackson are internal options. Both have major league experience but neither is knocking the door down to the majors. Both sport an OPS under .700 with triple-A Oklahoma City this season. Castro is currently on Oklahoma City's injured list but is playing games in the Arizona League.
The Dodgers could acquire someone who plays shortstop ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, an option Roberts did not deny is possible.
"I'm not sure yet," Roberts said.
All that was certain, at least according to Roberts, is that Hernandez will be on the injured list when the Dodgers take the field in Denver on Monday.
