The first Los Angeles Dodgers trade in the final stretch leading up to the August 1 deadline saw them reunite with Kiké Hernández in a deal that sent Minor League pitchers Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman to the Boston Red Sox.
It marked a second time Hernández has been traded to the Dodgers, with the first instance coming in December 2014 when he was included in a package from the Miami Marlins. Hernández played six seasons for the Dodgers, which culminated with winning the 2020 World Series.
He then signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Red Sox in free agency. Last September, the Red Sox signed Hernández to a one-year, $10 million contract extension.
Hernández wore No. 14 during his first stint with the Dodgers, and switched to No. 5 with the Red Sox. Now returning to the Dodgers, Hernández has chosen No. 8 for his new jersey.
No. 8 for Kiké. pic.twitter.com/U7282tofW8
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 26, 2023
Zach McKinstry had been the last Dodgers player to wear No. 8, when he did so while up with the team during parts of the 2020-2022 seasons. Prior to McKinstry, No. 8 on the Dodgers was worn by Manny Machado following his blockbuster trade at the 2018 deadline.
Hernández’s new-look Dodgers number is going to be quickly seen as he’s expected to be in the lineup Wednesday for the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers anticipate Hernández primarily making starts against opposing left-handed pitchers.
Why is Kiké Hernández wearing a new number with Dodgers?
Hernández can no longer wear No. 14 with the Dodgers because it was retired in honor of Gil Hodges. The Dodgers held a pregame ceremony last season to add Hodges to the Dodger Stadium Ring of Honor.
Hernández presumably would have kept his No. 5 from the Red Sox — and team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic — but that is worn by Freddie Freeman.
The 31-year-old has also worn No. 6 (Houston Astros, 2014) and No. 12 (Miami Marlins) in his MLB career.
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