Dodgers Facing Decision After Unfortunate Teoscar Hernandez News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated May 28, 2026 1:47 PM ET

Another Los Angeles Dodgers player has landed on the injured list: outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, with a left hamstring strain. It's the second player in the last two days to be placed on the IL as Hernandez joins utility man Kiké Hernandez, who was placed on the IL with a left oblique strain on May 27.

Losing Hernandez is a huge blow to the Dodgers' lineup. The two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner carried a .276 batting average with seven home runs and 31 RBI in 51 games this season. With Hernandez now heading to the IL for a significant amount of time, the question now turns to who will fill in for him in the lineup.

Dave Roberts said Teoscar Hernández is going on the IL. Few weeks “at the minimum.” Will get an MRI tomorrow.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 28, 2026

The Dodgers have a couple of options with Alex Call or Hyeseong Kim. Call is the more experienced option with more time in the outfield and is the better hitter. Kim's defense and speed could be a better fit in the meantime.

In 25 games this season, Call is batting .294 with 10 RBI and a .785 OPS. His ability to come off the bench and provide for the team fits this role perfectly. Giving Call more playing time could also unlock the full potential for the Dodgers to keep Kim in the infield to platoon with Miguel Rojas.

After a hot start in March and April, Kim has cooled off in May. He is slashing .226/.279/.274 with four RBI and a .554 OPS in May. The Dodgers have also not utilized his speed at all in May, with zero attempted steals. His 1.000 fielding percentage at second base and lefty bat is what makes him a valuable player for the Dodgers to keep in the lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37)Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dodgers carry a 36-20 record with a five game win streak. How the team figures out their lineup without Hernandez will be tested quickly as the team takes on the surging Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

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

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