Following the defensive error by Teoscar Hernández in right field during the bottom of the ninth yesterday, which let the batter reach second and resulted in a walk-off hit, Mookie Betts and manager Dave Roberts met after the game. Today, as the Dodgers face the Rockies again, Hernández remains in right field. Roberts stated that, for now, the team will stick with the current defensive lineup.
With one out and the score tied in the bottom of the ninth yesterday, Teoscar Hernández was positioned deep in right field for a fly ball. He rushed forward and managed to get his glove on it, but couldn't make the catch, turning it into a double before the walk-off hit followed.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Betts, Roberts, and Andrew Friedman had a private meeting in Roberts' office after the game. Betts, who has won six Gold Gloves—all in right field—suggested that he should return to playing right field.
After the game yesterday, Roberts commented, "That ball hung up there for quite a while. I think we had a chance to make the play. He needs to improve. He works hard—it’s not an effort issue—but he just has to get better. Other than that, I have nothing more to add."
For the second game of the Dodgers-Rockies series today, Hernández practiced right field defense before the game and started as the fifth batter and right fielder. Before the game, Roberts said, "He's fully capable in right field. He's shown solid defense before, and I believe he can get back to that. As for moving him to left field or another position, we haven't discussed that yet."
Regarding his meeting with Betts, Roberts stated, "He often comes to my office. Yesterday we talked about hitting and checked on a few things. It wasn’t anything unusual—just a regular exchange."
When asked by reporters if Betts would return to right field, Roberts replied, "That's a good question, but we're not at that point yet. We're giving Michael Conforto opportunities, and with Tommy Edman and Max Muncy out, we also need to adjust playing time. I’m very pleased with Betts’ defense at shortstop."