Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman both are out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the series finale against the Houston Astros, which manager Dave Roberts revealed is due to health-related issues.
Roberts mentioned Hernández is “a little banged up” after fouling a pitch off his left foot during Saturday’s game. Hernández was checked on before remaining in the game, and he proceeded to finish 0-for-4 with two strikeouts while playing all nine innings.
It’s possible the Dodgers are going to have scans taken of Hernández’s ailing foot. It’s not yet clear if he will need another stint on the 10-day injured list.
Hernández previously missed time this season because of a left groin/adductor strain, though he made a recovery quicker than was initially expected.
Although Hernández didn’t miss extended time as was first feared, he’s yet to find a rhythm at the plate since returning. Furthermore, health was a primary factor in Hernández deciding against defending his Home Run Derby title at Truist Park this year.
Edman has also already spent time on the injured list this season as he missed two weeks in May because of right ankle inflammation. Now the 30-year-old is experiencing some trouble with the pinky toe on his right foot as a result of getting hit by a pitch on Saturday.
But like Hernández, Edman played all nine innings of the Dodgers’ loss. Included in that was shifting over to third base, where Edman is expected to help fill the void while Max Muncy recovers from a bone bruise in his left knee.
Including Sunday, the Dodgers have seven games and just one off day remaining before the All-Star break.
If Hernández or Edman are to miss more time on the injured list, the Dodgers may look to bolster their position-player depth with a minor trade.
Otherwise, the team would need to consider recalling James Outman or the recently-acquired CJ Alexander from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Alex Freeland conceivably could be another option, but he is not yet on Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
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