Kik Hernandez feeling more comfortable in everyday role as Red Sox CF: Im still getting better – Boston Herald

After six seasons of mostly coming off the bench for the Dodgers, Kik Hernndez signed with the Red Sox seeking an everyday job. Hes found that, but not in the position he may have expected.

The Red Sox had plans to make Hernndez their full-time second baseman and play him in center field occasionally, but its turned out to be the other way around. Hernandez has now made 53 starts in center and 16 at second, a product of Christian Arroyos emergence but also how comfortable Hernandez has gotten in center.

Playing for a new team in a new league and a new home ballpark required an adjustment period for Hernandez, but he seems to have found his stride over the last few weeks. Entering Friday, he ranked third among MLB outfielders with nine defensive runs saved, and hes been a critical piece of a Red Sox outfield that leads baseball with 28 assists. That consistent playing time has helped him get into a groove at the plate, too, as hes hitting .317 with four homers and 10 walks in 11 games since returning to the leadoff spot on June 27.

I always envisioned myself playing every day in the position that I think is my best position, which is second base, and Im lucky enough to be versatile where I can play many positions and play one in an everyday role, Hernandez said. I always said I care more about the starting lineup than the defensive positioning, so center field, its what allows me to play every day and make the team better as far as our defensive alignment and all that, so Im all for it. Were in first place, Im playing everyday center field and were playing good baseball. Cant ask for more.

Im still getting better. I didnt start off the way I wanted to. It became a little bit of an adjustment period and once I slowed everything down, slowed my mind and everything else down, and the weather started warming up a little bit, everything else started happening for me. I started getting used to center field on a daily basis. I feel like Im a lot more confident now than I was at the beginning of the season playing center field.

Alex Cora has been impressed, even more so because Hernandezs outfield drill work extends to him shagging in center during batting practice before games. Hernandez said its the most realistic way of preparing for reads and a tricky Fenway Park outfield, and so far its worked.

I didnt know he was this good a center fielder, to be honest with you, Cora said. I knew about the jumps that he was elite at it. But his routes are solid. His arm always played. Expectations-wise, I thought he was a solid center fielder. Hes solid all over the place, but hes been above average.

Sale set for next session

Chris Sale will pitch to live hitters again in another two-inning session in Fort Myers on Saturday, potentially the final step before hes ready for a rehab assignment. The Red Sox ace continued to feel good after his last session on Tuesday, and the team is hopeful for another encouraging day as they target an August return.

Hopefully we get good news that he feels great, Cora said. Then well make decisions about what hes going to do next week.

Santana heads to IL

The Red Sox made a flurry of roster moves before Fridays game, including sending Danny Santana to the 10-day injured list with a left quad strain. The utility man came up limping while running out a play against the Angels on Tuesday night. Michael Chavis was brought back up to fill his spot.

Backup catcher Kevin Plawecki was reinstated from the injured list after he suffered a left hamstring strain. Connor Wong, who was impressive in his place, was optioned back to Worcester.

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Kik Hernandez feeling more comfortable in everyday role as Red Sox CF: Im still getting better - Boston Herald