
Teoscar Hernandez is set to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Jackie Robinson Day, potentially saving the team from embarrassment as he is the only Black player in the starting lineup due to Mookie Betts' injury. This day commemorates Robinson's historic debut in 1947, highlighting the importance of diversity in baseball.
Teoscar Hernandez could be Dodgersâ saving grace on Jackie Robinson Day originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Teoscar Hernandez might just save the Los Angeles Dodgers from a massive embarrassment on Jackie Robinson Day.
On 15th April, 1947, Robinson broke the league's color barrier by making his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, just imagine what it would be like for the LA fanbase to see no Black player wearing a Dodgers jersey No. 42. However, with Hernandez's presence, the ballclub could avoid that wild dream.
With Mookie Betts injured, Hernandez is the only Black player to feature in the Dodgers' starting lineup against the New York Mets on the special day.
Jackie Robinson Day is also celebrated for diversity. In that regard, the Dodgers are doing fine with the likes of Japanese-born superstars Shohei Ohtani and Hyeseong Kim representing the team on that front on Wednesday.
More:Â MLB reminded about special Shohei Ohtani alert on Jackie Robinson Day
Last weekend, during a radio appearance, Teoscar Hernandez announced that he will wear an elbow guard dedicated to his son, Jaden Hernandez, for the rest of the season. The outfielder's son was recently diagnosed with autism.
âI did it for my kid. Heâs on the spectrum with autism. This year I tried to do something different for him and for the rest of the people around the world that are dealing with that. A lot of things in our life gets hard sometimes. It was something that I wanted to do for my boy and for the rest of the world," Hernandez said.
While raising Jaden, Hernandez shared that he has developed patience and understanding. Jaden's autism has changed his perspective on life. Through his platforms, Hernandez continues to advocate and raise awareness about autism.
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Jackie Robinson Day is significant for the Dodgers as it commemorates the day in 1947 when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, making it crucial for the team to honor his legacy.
Teoscar Hernandez is important for the Dodgers on April 15 because he is the only Black player in the starting lineup due to Mookie Betts' injury, which is particularly poignant on Jackie Robinson Day.
Mookie Betts' injury leaves the Dodgers without their star player and highlights the significance of Teoscar Hernandez's presence in the lineup, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating diversity in baseball.

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