You know how baseball can become really, really strange on some nights? That was Saturday night at Dodgerland. The Yankees were ready to take on the Boys in Blue for the second time this season. The Dodgers were on fire and got off to a tremendous start. But in the ninth inning, something absolutely unexpected and unforgettable happened. It added one last painful twist for the Yankees and a rush of pure joy for everyone wearing Dodger blue. And at the center of it all was Enrique Hernandez.
Hernandez, who was mostly a third baseman but was known for stepping up when needed, found himself on the pitcher’s mound in the ninth inning. The Dodgers were leading, so letting Hernandez throw was both a smart move and a way to show off his skills. He threw a slow curveball at 49.0 mph to DJ LeMahieu, resulting in a flyout to left field. The following moment added even more intrigue to the game’s plot.
After the game, Hernandez posted a photo of his first pitch on Instagram to show supporters what he had accomplished. You know what’s funny? His caption read, “First career WHIFF! #AnotherShutty,” along with a video clip of his strikeout. It didn’t take long for it to go viral. And the reactions that poured in were utterly hilarious! Not just fans, but other athletes and celebrities also chimed in as the clip went viral.
It’s not every day that anyone gets a WHIFF. Getting a WHIFF as a position player on the mound is like hitting an inside-the-park grand slam with your eyes closed: it’s very unusual, very memorable, and definitely worth celebrating. When Hernandez posted it fellow teammates couldn’t stop themselves from taking a funny dig at it.
Ace pitcher Blake Snell didn’t comment but offered his support by liking the post. But Miguel Rojas showed his support in a different way. He couldn’t help but inject some comedy when he commented: “We have to work on the comebacker with BoB .” It was just limited to teammates taking a dig. The Pop stars also find it interesting.
Becky G, being a Dodgers fan, was equally excited and chimed in: ” Yessssirrrrrr. “ That one-word comment was enough to catch everyone’s attention. These reactions demonstrate the close and respectful relationships between athletes and entertainers. Besides this great moment, Hernandez has been performing well all season in 2025. As of June 1, he has a batting average of .391 and an OPS of 1.082, which makes him a big part of the Dodgers’ offense. His steady play has been a big part of the team’s success, and this short stint as a pitcher only adds to the many ways he helps the squad.
However, beyond this lighthearted moment, a worrisome situation is developing in the dugout. Yes, the Dodgers might be winning games, but the pitching has been affecting the roster. Why? Because of the injury bug!
Band-aids and bullpens: Dodgers’ patchwork pitching in 2025
In 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ pitching staff faced many problems, with injuries affecting both starters and relievers. Evan Phillips, a vital reliever, is scheduled for Tommy John surgery. He will be out for the rest of the season and most of 2026. Phillips had been on the IL due to a right forearm injury, and even after therapy, he couldn’t throw again without problems.
The Dodgers placed another key pitcher, Snell, on the 60-day IL with shoulder issues. He can now throw without pain, but his return date is unknown. Tyler Glasnow was also placed on the 60-day IL due to right shoulder pain. He may return by June, but management is still monitoring him.
Wait! The list goes on. After a shoulder impingement, rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki might return in late June. The staff is closely monitoring his rehabilitation, even though he has resumed throwing. Meanwhile, Michael Kopech is almost done with his rehab assignment and may soon rejoin the bullpen, which would aid the pitching staff.
As for Kirby Yates, who has been in rehab with a right hamstring strain, he felt good after throwing off a mound. So, he hopes to return soon. But the best part is that Shohei Ohtani‘s throwing recovery is also improving. He is facing live hitters in simulated innings to get back on the mound. The Dodgers hope that these positive changes will stabilize their pitching rotation in the coming weeks.
The post Becky G, Miguel Rojas & Blake Snell React as Enrique Hernandez Rubs Salt in Downtrodden Yankees Wounds- “First Career WHIFF” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
