Dodgers' manager is not worried about Teoscar's defense and has no plans to replace the right fielder for now.

In the recent first game of the Dodgers-Rockies series, right fielder Teoscar Hernandez made two minor defensive mistakes that allowed the Rockies to score, including a walk-off hit in the 9th inning. When asked if he would make changes to the right field defense, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he would not make any adjustments at this time.

During that game, Hernandez first failed to catch a ball in the 3rd inning, leading to runners on second and third base, after which the Rockies scored two runs with a hit. In the bottom of the 9th inning, Hernandez again missed a shallow fly ball, resulting in a double, and the Rockies ended the game with a walk-off hit.

Although neither of these plays was officially recorded as an error, both were catchable, ultimately contributing to the Dodgers' loss. According to Statcast data, Hernandez’s Outs Above Average (OAA) this year is -9, ranking third worst among 38 qualified right fielders in the major leagues.

This has sparked discussions about whether the Dodgers might consider defensive changes, especially since Mookie Betts has switched from right field to a full-time second baseman this year.

Roberts responded, “That question is very reasonable. What I’m thinking now is that Tommy Edman, Ji-hu Choi, and Kiké Hernández are all on the injured list. I’m focused on playing time for players and not overburdening rookie infielder Alex Freeland. I like Betts’s defense at shortstop. Although the question makes sense, I don’t think we need to make a change.”

Although Edman, Choi, and Kiké are currently unavailable, limiting the Dodgers’ versatility advantage, even if they were healthy, Roberts would at most give Teoscar occasional rest rather than benching him, given his offensive threat.

Betts, who ranks among the top defensive shortstops in the majors this year, is not someone Roberts is considering moving. When asked about this, Betts replied, “I don’t care. I’m ready to defend any position no matter what.”

Roberts added, “I still believe he (Teoscar) will return to his previous form. I truly think so, and you have to score runs. Are we fielding the best defensive lineup? No. But I would say very few teams in the majors do that. Even in the playoffs, you have to prioritize scoring first. That’s how the world works. When players don’t perform well, there will be noise about them — that’s just how it is.”