Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Reveals Intense ‘Welcome to MLB’ Moment

Apr 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) pitches in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández is a veteran now, but he too was once a young player who got a rude welcome to the big leagues.

Hernández recently appeared on “The 6-1-1 Podcast” and told hosts Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard about his “Welcome to MLB” moment.

Kiké Hernández did not enjoy getting yelled at

Hernández did not have to wait long. He said he was put through a trial by fire only days into his time in MLB.

“I would say it was probably within two weeks of getting to the big leagues, and I faced Jake Peavy and John Lackey on back-to-back days in Houston,” Hernández said. “And I was pretty locked in. I wasn’t really chasing like I do now. My eyes worked, I didn’t need glasses. And I was taking pitches just off. They were trying to get me to expand and all this. And these dudes, for back-to-back games, they were yelling at me on the mound.”

Apr 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) pitches in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While Hernández said he’d never been yelled at from the mound before, Peavy and Lackey had a reputation for doing so, as revealed by Rollins and Howard responding with some knowing smiles and several “for sures.”

“They’re mad at me because I’m not swinging at balls,” he said. “That was probably my ‘Welcome to the big leagues’ moment, because I’m like, ‘Goddamn, what did I do?’ I’m trying to do my job, I’m trying to stick around. You know, I’m just glad I’m wearing a one-ear flap helmet right now, and you guys are just yelling at me because I’m not swinging at balls. What’s happening right now? That’s probably it.”

Jun 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (44) pitches during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Rollins reaffirmed to Hernández that the two pitchers are known for yelling.

“They’re screaming at every pitch they don’t get. They’re yelling,” Rollins said. “I don’t know what they’re saying. I just ignored it.”

Jul 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) reacts on the mound after he gave up a walk during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rollins, himself a former Dodger, said he didn’t battle Lackey much, but he definitely had experience with Peavy.

“Jake, the first time you hear it, you kind of look up like, ‘Bro, like what? Like, what’s going on?’ And then you realize he’s yelling at the catcher, he’s talking to himself, and it’s just a conversation that he’s having to keep himself locked in that moment, because he’s not giving an inch. He’s not giving in. And he feels when he hits his spot, that’s supposed to be a strike. And as hitters, I don’t care if you hit your spot, bro, it’s not a strike. And so it gets under your skin, which is also a strategy. If I can distract you from what your job is and trying to not swing at those pitches and get you to start swinging at them to shut me up, they win. So Kiké, you passed the test, bro.”

How did Kiké Hernández hit against John Lackey and Jake Peavy?

Hernández faced the pitchers six times each, with one walk by each hurler.

He was 1-for-5 with an RBI against Peavy and 2-for-5 with an RBI and a double against Lackey.

Neither pitcher struck him out.

Hernández hopes to have similar success when he returns to the Dodgers in the coming days.

Janai Williams contributed to this report.