Deep Waiver Wire: Kiké Hernandez’s Emergence

Mar 29, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Kike Hern ndez (14) reacts after striking out during an at bat during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most unfortunate commonplaces in all sports are that injuries often spur opportunities. It is just a matter of fact, but many unknown players have been able to step in and introduce themselves to both the actual and fantasy communities via replacing injured starters.

A key cog for the Dodgers this season has been the steady play that Howie Kendrick has been able to offer after coming over from the Angels.

He was having his usual solid season but, he went down with a hamstring injury on August 9 leaving the Dodgers in desperate need of a capable replacement.

While the Dodgers had in-house options, such as  touted prospect Jose Peraza, Don Mattingly insisted that Enrique Hernandez would get the first look at becoming the everyday second basemen.

Ever since his promotion into an everyday role, Kiké Hernandez has not looked back and has absolutely filled Kendrick’s spot in an admirable way.

What made Kendrick so valuable was that he did not hurt you in any certain category. Hernandez has been able to mirror this same skill-set, as he has posted a 2 HR/3 RBI/.455 line since taking over.

What I like about Kiké Hernandez is that he has separated himself from any position competition and has shown the Dodgers that he is their best option. Peraza is a pretty highly touted 2B prospect, so it would have been easy to assume that he would take the reins on the job. 

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However, Hernandez showed that he was having none of that and with Justin Turner returning from the D.L., the Dodgers wound up sending Peraza back down, fully showing their confidence in Hernandez as their permanent starter.

Kiké Hernandez does not have a very high ceiling. His minor leagues stats have shown him to be more a utility option, but he does have value going forward. One other added benefit of owning Hernandez, is that he also comes with multi-position eligibility.

On most fantasy formats, Hernandez has 2B, SS, and OF eligibility, making him a great find off the waiver wire for owners that are looking for a guy to potentially to fill a couple of holes on their teams.

Also keep in mind that the prognosis on Kendrick’s return is not too optimistic either. The earliest return is predicted to be around mid-September, leaving Hernandez with an extended opportunity for owners down the stretch.

Kiké Hernandez will by no means carry your team, but he has the ability to help out in every category outside of SB’s. He seems like a perfect under the radar move that you can slide in at any spot in your lineup, as each passing week holds more and more importance.

I would advise owners looking for an upgrade to their lineups to snag Kiké Hernandez now, and ride him while he is on this hot streak. He helps out statistically at notoriously weak positions, only increasing his value as well. Act now.