Teoscar Hernández Wants To Improve Against Right-Handed Pitching

Teoscar Hernández has been key to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success in recent years, but currently is in the midst of a difficult stretch.

Since returning from the injured list at the end of June, Hernández entered Tuesday hitting just .207/.255/.333 with five doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI in 145 plate appearances across 40 games.

The 33-year-old has found a little more success as of late and hit safely in five of his last six games before going 0-for-4 against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, and then he bounced back with two extra-base hits on Tuesday. That coincided with the Dodgers facing a string of left-handed pitchers, against whom the two-time All-Star has historically fared well.

“It’s always better to face lefties, but at the same time, I want to play against more righties so I can get a better approach,” Hernández told Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA. “Better timing so I can be better at hitting and producing for the team. But it’s good when you’re out there facing lefties. Not because my whole career, but I think it’s a little different from facing a righty.”

When asked how he plans to improve against right-handed pitching, Hernández said he is going to keep it simple.

“Just to swing at good pitches and not follow the plan the pitcher has against me,” Hernández began. “Trust in the plan that I have for that day facing a righty: getting good pitches to hit, staying inside the ball so I can have a better chance to do damage. Just stay strong on that and follow the plan.”

Hernández’s production has always been lower against right-handed pitching, but even more so this season. He’s hitting just .237/.293/.373 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 30 RBI in 87 games. That’s in comparison to a much better .273/.350/.443 line against southpaws.

Hernández’s struggles against right-handed pitching have led to him getting pinch-hit for in recent games. He understands the importance of improving in that area and seems focused on making the necessary adjustments to get back on track.

Teoscar Hernández’s 2026 stats

Hernández is in the midst of his worst season with the Dodgers as he’s hitting just .250/.312/.403 with 14 doubles, 11 home runs and 43 RBI in 92 games thus far. He missed about a month earlier this year due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, but otherwise has been healthy.