Teoscar Hernández Put ‘A Lot More Effort’ On Defense During Playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers were crowned World Series champions for the eighth time in franchise history after eliminating the New York Yankees in five games.

The Dodgers won the first two matchups at Dodger Stadium and then took a commanding 3-0 lead when the Fall Classic shifted to Yankee Stadium for Game 3.

The Dodgers benefited from a key defensive play by Teoscar Hernández in the bottom of the fourth as he threw out Giancarlo Stanton at the plate to end the inning. The Dodgers maintained their 3-0 lead and prevented the Yankees from gaining any momentum.

Hernández said after the game that he focused on improving his defense during the postseason, via Fox sports:

“I’m putting a lot more effort on my defense this postseason, knowing that it’s bigger for me to help the team on defense rather than hitting. Because of the lineup that we have, the players have been doing their job hitting. For me, I put a lot of pride in my defense so I can help this team win.”

Hernández isn’t known for his defense but the outfield assist was key to the Dodgers holding on for a 4-2 win in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium. He finished the postseason without making an error in 150 defensive innings.

Hernández also got things done offensively as he batted .350/.381/.550 with one double, one home run and four RBI in five games against the Yankees.

The 32-year-old’s go-ahead two-run homer in Game 2 helped the Dodgers secure a 4-2 win at Dodger Stadium that put them in a good spot for the rest of the series.

Teoscar Hernández hopes to re-sign with Dodgers

Hernández enjoyed one of his most productive seasons by hitting .272/.339/.501 with 32 doubles, a career-high 33 home runs and 99 RBI in 154 games.

Now a free agent, Hernández is expected to receive interest from multiple teams but his top priority remains working out a new deal with the Dodgers.