ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ RETURNS TO LA
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired IF/OF Enrique Hernandez and cash from the Boston Red Sox for pitchers Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Hernandez returns to the team that he won the 2020 World Series with. He has struggled as the Red Sox primary shortstop this year, but expect him to return to the super-utility role he previously served in LA. Even though he is only hitting .222 with six home runs and 31 RBI this season, expect him to see plenty of at-bats against left-handed pitching. He can form a right-handed platoon with some of the Dodgers left-handed hitters like Jason Heyward and Josh Outman. He could even add more offense at shortstop in place of Miguel Rojas.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Robertson made his MLB debut this season, pitching 10.1 innings out of the Dodgers bullpen. He struggled at the major league level but posted great numbers at Triple-A ball (2.54 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 28.1 innings). He is known as a hard-throwing reliever with high strikeout potential. Hagenman has also put up great statistics at Triple-A ball this season. In 25 games, including five starts, he boasts a 2.78 ERA with 60 strikeouts. Both pitchers could see time with the Red Sox in the near future out of the bullpen, possibly even this year.
Fantasy impact
If Hernandez can rediscover the form he had with the Dodgers previously, he could become a valuable fantasy option again. As for the pitchers going to the Red Sox, keep an eye on Robertson. He could become a high-leverage reliever within the next couple of seasons. Hagenman is off the fantasy radar for now.
