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Teoscar Hernandezs Late-Season Surge Keeps Dodgers Near Top of NL West as Ohtani Goes on IL
The Los Angeles Dodgers have extended their seven‑game winning streak to 89‑57, staying 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League West crown. A key factor has been Teoscar Hernández’s unexpected offensive rebound in the final month of the 2026 season.
Hernández, 33, has hit safely in his last ten games (August 30–September 9), batting .514/.595/.829 with 2 home runs and 14 RBI in 42 plate appearances. Statcast data from that stretch show a 97.1‑mph average exit velocity, a 25.0% barrel rate, and a 60.7% hard‑hit rate. He has produced 15 batted balls at least 100 mph, including seven that were 108.7 mph or higher, and a 112.6‑mph three‑run homer off Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson on Monday.
Before the streak, Hernández’s line was .245/.307/.385 (91 wRC+). The surge lifted his overall season numbers to .269/.336/.425 (110 wRC+). The improvement came as the Dodgers’ core hitters have been hampered by injuries: Shohei Ohtani has been on the 15‑day injured list since September 8, Freddie Freeman is in a 1‑for‑19 slump and has missed a game with knee soreness, Dalton Rushing has had limited plate appearances after a UCL tear, and Andy Pages has been out since a fractured left hand. Max Muncy, the only top‑five hitter who has played all four games of the streak, has been in a 2‑for‑29 slump until the last four games.
The Dodgers’ offensive woes were compounded by a 15‑19 stretch earlier in the season, but Hernández’s hot streak has helped the team maintain its position in the playoff race. The club is now 3.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the first‑round bye.
Hernández’s resurgence follows a season‑long battle with injuries. In May, a left hamstring strain sidelined him for over a month. He returned on June 29 after a four‑game rehab stint at Triple‑A Oklahoma City. From that point through August 23, he batted .206/.253/.335 (61 wRC+) with a 28.9% strikeout rate. Manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes had discussed platooning Hernández with reserve Alex Call or prospects such as Josue De Paula or James Tibbs III.
During the September 3 walk‑off double against the Cardinals, Hernández said he was prepared to let the team use another player if needed. “I’m a player that, if I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do, and somebody else is doing the job and helping the team win –– I told Dave [Roberts], ‘If you feel like you have to use somebody else in there, just do it… But know that I am going to keep working and I’m going to try to be ready for the times that you need me.” The statement was reported by the Dodgers’ media department.
The hitting coach, Aaron Bates, explained that Hernández’s lower‑body injury had affected his swing mechanics. “The more he can stay closed with the lower half and sync it up with the upper body, then it keeps him on the ball more, and then he’s able to do what he needs to do at the plate,” Bates said. The adjustment involved a tighter front‑leg stance and a toe‑tap motion that Hernández had used before his injury.
Statcast data show that Hernández’s stance angle increased from 5 degrees open in August to 18 degrees open in September, while his swing speed rose from 72.3 mph to 74.0 mph. His exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard‑hit rate for the season are 90.3, 10.7%, and 45.0%, respectively—comparable to his 2024 and 2025 numbers.
Defensively, Hernández’s left‑field metrics remain a concern. He has a -7 DRS and -6 FRV, indicating room for improvement in range and fielding. This could limit his playing time in late innings or in October if the Dodgers need a more reliable defender.
Shohei Ohtani’s injury status has also shifted the Dodgers’ lineup. Ohtani was placed on the injured list on September 10 after a 0‑for‑3 outing against the Reds, where he walked and struck out twice. The move is the first time the Dodgers have put Ohtani on the IL since September 2023. With Ohtani out, the club called up 21‑year‑old left‑swinging prospect Josue De Paula from Double‑A Tulsa. De Paula has a .303/.401/.547 line (145 wRC+) with 27 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and a 14.8% strikeout rate. The Dodgers and MLB Pipeline consider him the most advanced hitter the organization has produced since Corey Seager.
De Paula’s promotion offers the Dodgers a potential high‑leverage bench option, especially if injuries arise in the outfield. He is projected to fill a pinch‑hitting role for Miguel Rojas or serve as a late‑inning substitute.
Hernández’s late‑season performance has helped the Dodgers weather a series of injuries and maintain a strong position in the NL West. While his hot streak may not continue at the .500 batting average level, his power and contact have provided the team with an additional offensive weapon. The Dodgers will look to keep Hernández healthy for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, as the club seeks to defend its consecutive World Series titles.
The Dodgers’ next game is a home matchup against the San Diego Padres on September 12. The team will aim to extend its winning streak and solidify its lead in the division while managing player health and roster depth.
Hernández, 33, has hit safely in his last ten games (August 30–September 9), batting .514/.595/.829 with 2 home runs and 14 RBI in 42 plate appearances. Statcast data from that stretch show a 97.1‑mph average exit velocity, a 25.0% barrel rate, and a 60.7% hard‑hit rate. He has produced 15 batted balls at least 100 mph, including seven that were 108.7 mph or higher, and a 112.6‑mph three‑run homer off Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson on Monday.
Before the streak, Hernández’s line was .245/.307/.385 (91 wRC+). The surge lifted his overall season numbers to .269/.336/.425 (110 wRC+). The improvement came as the Dodgers’ core hitters have been hampered by injuries: Shohei Ohtani has been on the 15‑day injured list since September 8, Freddie Freeman is in a 1‑for‑19 slump and has missed a game with knee soreness, Dalton Rushing has had limited plate appearances after a UCL tear, and Andy Pages has been out since a fractured left hand. Max Muncy, the only top‑five hitter who has played all four games of the streak, has been in a 2‑for‑29 slump until the last four games.
The Dodgers’ offensive woes were compounded by a 15‑19 stretch earlier in the season, but Hernández’s hot streak has helped the team maintain its position in the playoff race. The club is now 3.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the first‑round bye.
Hernández’s resurgence follows a season‑long battle with injuries. In May, a left hamstring strain sidelined him for over a month. He returned on June 29 after a four‑game rehab stint at Triple‑A Oklahoma City. From that point through August 23, he batted .206/.253/.335 (61 wRC+) with a 28.9% strikeout rate. Manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes had discussed platooning Hernández with reserve Alex Call or prospects such as Josue De Paula or James Tibbs III.
During the September 3 walk‑off double against the Cardinals, Hernández said he was prepared to let the team use another player if needed. “I’m a player that, if I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do, and somebody else is doing the job and helping the team win –– I told Dave [Roberts], ‘If you feel like you have to use somebody else in there, just do it… But know that I am going to keep working and I’m going to try to be ready for the times that you need me.” The statement was reported by the Dodgers’ media department.
The hitting coach, Aaron Bates, explained that Hernández’s lower‑body injury had affected his swing mechanics. “The more he can stay closed with the lower half and sync it up with the upper body, then it keeps him on the ball more, and then he’s able to do what he needs to do at the plate,” Bates said. The adjustment involved a tighter front‑leg stance and a toe‑tap motion that Hernández had used before his injury.
Statcast data show that Hernández’s stance angle increased from 5 degrees open in August to 18 degrees open in September, while his swing speed rose from 72.3 mph to 74.0 mph. His exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard‑hit rate for the season are 90.3, 10.7%, and 45.0%, respectively—comparable to his 2024 and 2025 numbers.
Defensively, Hernández’s left‑field metrics remain a concern. He has a -7 DRS and -6 FRV, indicating room for improvement in range and fielding. This could limit his playing time in late innings or in October if the Dodgers need a more reliable defender.
Shohei Ohtani’s injury status has also shifted the Dodgers’ lineup. Ohtani was placed on the injured list on September 10 after a 0‑for‑3 outing against the Reds, where he walked and struck out twice. The move is the first time the Dodgers have put Ohtani on the IL since September 2023. With Ohtani out, the club called up 21‑year‑old left‑swinging prospect Josue De Paula from Double‑A Tulsa. De Paula has a .303/.401/.547 line (145 wRC+) with 27 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and a 14.8% strikeout rate. The Dodgers and MLB Pipeline consider him the most advanced hitter the organization has produced since Corey Seager.
De Paula’s promotion offers the Dodgers a potential high‑leverage bench option, especially if injuries arise in the outfield. He is projected to fill a pinch‑hitting role for Miguel Rojas or serve as a late‑inning substitute.
Hernández’s late‑season performance has helped the Dodgers weather a series of injuries and maintain a strong position in the NL West. While his hot streak may not continue at the .500 batting average level, his power and contact have provided the team with an additional offensive weapon. The Dodgers will look to keep Hernández healthy for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, as the club seeks to defend its consecutive World Series titles.
The Dodgers’ next game is a home matchup against the San Diego Padres on September 12. The team will aim to extend its winning streak and solidify its lead in the division while managing player health and roster depth.
