Dodgers $6.5 Million Star Makes his Intentions Clear Amid Concerns Over Inconsistency

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ clubhouse has always been a stage for big players and even bigger expectations. However, beneath their impressive record lingers a quiet tension – one that’s visible with one of their star players struggling with his consistency this season. But caught in the crossfire of controversy, the Dodgers star has finally decided to open up. Guessed the name yet?

We are talking about the 34-year-old star, Enrique Hernandez, who was excluded from the starting lineup in two consecutive matches in March. Not just because of his health issues, but also due to early season struggles – a mere .188 average, with 13 RBIs, five home runs, and a .692 OPS. Now, making his intentions clear, Hernandez said, “The reputation a player can have, being clutch, someone you can count on in big moments. That’s what I have become.”

MLB insider Mike Rodriguez’s post on X read Enrique Hernandez saying something to Puerto Rican former baseball player Carlos Baegra: “I’d rather be a player who sticks up for the team in the postseason than one who does it in 162 games and hides in the dugout in the playoffs.” And it’s true – all the hard work that one puts in every game pays off when leading up to the playoffs.

Kike Hernandez to Carlos Baerga @BaergaCarlos

"I'd rather be a player who sticks up for the team in the postseason than one who does it in 162 games and hides in the dugout in the playoffs." #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/sxypDYCMKQ

— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) May 3, 2025

Instead of choking during pivotal game moments, Hernandez aspires to be a player who can step up when it counts most. He remains optimistic about making himself available in October every year and doing his best to help the team win.

Not to forget that Hernandez has long been associated with the Dodgers, displaying his skills at the plate and on the field. Tuesday night was no exception.

Despite Hernandez not being a part of the starting lineup when facing the Miami Marlins, he was soon called in, replacing Freddie Freeman in the seventh inning.

And he didn’t disappoint either. Enrique Hernandez managed to draw a walk while stepping into the batter’s box and scored on a Teoscar Hernandez single. Soon after, the utility man pushed for another single and scored on another Hernandez base hit. More importantly, he was handed the responsibility to even pitch, where he gave away two singles to the infield, but neither allowed any walks or runs.

And amidst all these, Hernandez’s discussion with a Dodgers right-handed pitcher has become the talking point.

Dodgers’ $6.5 million star’s discussion with right-handed pitcher gets him going

Los Angeles Dodgers’ 26-year-old pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has shown everyone what he is capable of this season. However, failing to establish his identity earlier, Yamamoto had a meeting with Enrique Hernandez that changed everything for him. In his game 1 as a rookie, Yamamoto allowed five runs across four hits and even a two-run homer to Manny Machado of the Padres.

Taking note of his struggles in the first playoff, Hernandez said, “I felt that he wasn’t very convicted with the pitches he was throwing. And he just mentioned that he was feeling a little overwhelmed.” And with this understanding came a certain level of praise from Hernandez, who called him “one of the best pitchers on the planet.”

He advised Yamamoto to be more committed to the pitches. And it certainly paid off. In his next outing, Yamamoto managed to give away no runs, which was his main problem. Not to forget that Yamamoto’s five scoreless innings were the outcome of Enrique Hernandez’s suggestions and veteran leadership skills that proved to be on point.

And that great leader is eyeing playoff success! Well, considering the strategic personality he is, it does make sense, doesn’t it? 

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