The Los Angeles Dodgers, after an impressive 8-0 start to the season, have encountered a recent downturn, losing four of their last five games, including a current three-game skid. This early stumble has coincided with their East Coast road trip, subjecting them to significantly colder playing conditions than they are accustomed to in Southern California.
While the unfamiliar cold weather is not intended as a justification for their recent struggles, outfielder Teoscar Hernández acknowledged that it does, indeed, present a challenge for Dodgers players.
Following Tuesday’s 8-2 loss to the Washington Nationals, Hernández noted his past experience playing in colder climates early in the season during his six years on the East Coast, contrasting it with his first year in Los Angeles last year, which lacked such conditions.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Hernandez Blames Inclimate Weather For Losses
“As a player, it’s a little hard,” Hernández said of the cold weather after Tuesday’s 8-2 loss to the Washington Nationals. “I was six years on this side (of the country), where it’s cold early in the season. Then when I get to L.A. last year, it was my first year playing those early games with no cold weather. It’s a big difference. Especially when you’re not used to it, it can make a big difference.”
Despite recognizing the influence of the weather, Hernández was resolute in not using it as an excuse for their recent play. He stated that while they are not used to competing in the cold, it should not fundamentally alter their ability to perform.
“We’re not used to playing in the cold. But it cannot be an excuse for us to perform different,” Hernández said. “But they’re hitting the ball pretty good, getting on base, scoring runs. We’re just not putting together good at-bats. We’re not getting on base, and everything is not going the way we want. That’s the game. We just need to bounce back tomorrow.”
Looking ahead, Hernández emphasized the nature of baseball and the team’s need to rebound in their upcoming game, with the Dodgers aiming to avoid a series sweep on Wednesday before returning to the warmer climate of Los Angeles for a six-game homestand following an off-day on Thursday.