“Honestly, I think it’s easier for the body to play in midfield than in midfield,” Hernández said. “That was one of the things that struck me in 1921, when I started going there every day at the start of the season. It was just that, man, I had a lot more respect for the outfielders than just because even jogging to the dugout and back and forth between innings took a toll.
“I think I’m better suited for infield because I like to play the game fast and the game is much faster in infield. I like being involved in the game and there’s a lot more I can do in the infield in terms of communicating with my teammates and the way I look at the game and stuff.”
Hernández is not overly concerned, if at all, about the move to infield. He pointed to an away game against the Los Angeles Angels last season as the reason. In that contest, he was called upon to play shortstop in the later innings and made a key play after not fielding a grounder since spring practice.
For Hernández, being the shortstop just feels natural.
“It feels like riding a bike to me,” Hernández said. “And I mean that in the most humble way possible. I’m an infielder capable of playing in the outfield. That’s how I put it.”
Thumbnail photo via Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports Images