Boston Red Sox need to move on from the Kiké Hernández shortstop plan
There have been many things that could’ve gone better for the Boston Red Sox in their first 67 games of the season.
At 33-34, the Red Sox seem to be heading toward another mediocre to below average season.
It doesn’t help that a lot of players have left over the years. Mookie Betts and Kyle Schwarber are two big names that were in the organization and have gone on to be productive in other organizations.
Then of course, there was Xander Bogaerts bolting this off-season to the San Diego Padres. That left a big hole at shortstop that wasn’t going to be easy to fix.
Then Trevor Story went down and we might not see him until July. So who was next to step up? Super utilityman Kiké Hernández.
The veteran utility man was suddenly thrust into the starting shortstop role. But with 14 errors in only early June, it might be time to put an end to the Hernández plan at shortstop.
Boston Red Sox having an unreliable shortstop in Kiké Hernández
When you make 14 errors in only 67 games, that means every four or five games; you’re committing an error in the field. Numbers wise, that isn’t good!
But it’s the way these errors are happening that have Red Sox fans, such as myself, scratching our heads.
Take the game against the Rockies on Monday night. A routine groundball and Hernández short arms the throw and can’t get saved on the scoop by Triston Casas. You can’t throw away routine plays like that and expect to win!
But it’s also some of the decision making that is starting to get fans agitated. Making the difficult play when an easier play is available.
The main point is that with Kiké at shortstop, you’re always wondering when the next mistake is going to be made. Not a good sign!
Boston Red Sox hopefully having Trevor Story back soon
Like we mentioned before, Trevor Story was down before the Red Sox even started their 2023 season.
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But now, it looks like Story could be back next month, in a DH role. But then in August, it looks like he could come back and play shortstop. So what does that mean in the short-term?
Consider playing a guy like Pablo Reyes at shortstop for the foreseeable future. Or at the very least, don’t have Kiké play everyday at shortstop. Get him some reps in the outfield, where he’s comfortable and looks the part.
Kiké Hernández is not the answer
The Boston Red Sox need to look into alternative ways to plug the shortstop hole until Trevor Story is fully healthy. Hernández isn’t doing the job, plain and simple.
Next. Kiké Hernández propels Sox in win vs Yankees. dark
It’s not like the 5-foot-11 utilityman can’t play the game of baseball. Having him primarily in the outfield and then sparingly at shortstop is efficient enough. Everyday at shortstop? That can’t be a possibility anymore.
Get Trevor Story to be as healthy as possible and as soon as possible. This team needs a spark from somewhere. Otherwise, it’s going to be another disappointing end to the season for Alex Cora and company.