Dave Roberts Shares Reason for Teoscar Hernandez’s Removal From Dodgers Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated May 11, 2026 3:13 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the middle of a tight race for first place in the National League West, tied with the San Diego Padres with a record of 24-16. They have kept pace with San Diego for the most part, thanks to their offense.

However, as the team is dealing with a cluster of injuries to key contributors and is looking to avoid an offensive slump, this has defined much of their recent stretch. Manager Dave Roberts opted to rest veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernandez for Monday’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants. Alex Call will be taking over for Hernandez, holding down left field.

Roberts described the absence as a scheduled day off, but also indicated that the team could give Hernandez more time off going forward as he works through an ongoing slump, per Jack Harris of the California Post.

Dave Roberts said it’s a schedule day off Teoscar Hernández today, with Alex Call in LF

However, Roberts also said they could give Teo more days off moving forward as he tries to “work things out” amid an early slump (he’s hitting .196 in last 26 games & just .238 on the year)
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) May 10, 2026

The struggles come at a difficult time. Hernandez is in the second season of a three-year, $66 million contract and the 33-year-old entered 2026 with momentum following an impressive spring.

That production never carried over, and with the Dodgers already shorthanded due to injuries to Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernandez and Mookie Betts, the pressure on every healthy contributor to produce is that much greater.

Hernandez has posted an underwhelming .614 OPS in May with a .250 batting average and has not gone deep in nearly a month, with his last home run coming on April 15 against the New York Mets.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This year, Hernandez is hitting .238 with a .317 on-base percentage, a .365 slugging percentage and a .682 OPS.

Whether Sunday's absence is a one-day reset or the start of a more flexible arrangement remains to be seen. Roberts made clear the door is open for more days off, and Hernandez's bat will largely determine how often he walks through it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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