Red Sox second baseman Kiké Hernandez
This one probably hurts me the most as far as the down players are concerned. I had big hopes for Kiké Hernandez in a Red Sox uniform and so far it’s just not happening. The weird part about it is that he absolutely mashed in spring training but once the calendar flipped to April, he went ice cold. Not only is his bat beyond depressing (.179/.226/.321/.547) but his defense has left much to be desired.
He’s been strong in the outfield and at shortstop but his turn at second base led the Red Sox to some early-season misery. After all, it was his error in the first game that put an “L” next to Nathan Eovaldi’s name.
Before the season began I pegged Hernandez as the player to watch for the Red Sox based on his history with the Dodgers and his killer spring training. One week in and I’ve got some egg on my face courtesy of the lead-off man, but there’s still time to turn it around.
Cora has been using him more in the outfield as of late after his rocky beginning at second base while also seeing some time at first. As much as many, me included, wanted him to be the everyday second baseman I just don’t see it, at least not yet. Christian Arroyo is holding down the fort pretty damn well right now which may force Boston to lean on Kiké’s utility capabilities.
Hopefully, he can figure things out and quickly because I’d hate to see him on the wrong side of the lineup card.