Alex Cora: Kiké Hernandez will remain Red Sox’ leadoff hitter despite slump

Kiké Hernández is going through major struggles at the top of the Red Sox’ lineup, but he’s not going anywhere.

After going 0-for-4 in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to the Astros, Hernández is now hitless in his last 20 at-bats in the leadoff spot. But manager Alex Cora isn’t considering a shakeup.

“A week ago we were praising him and how good he was,” Cora said. “It’s part of the equation, part of 162 games. He’s going through a slump right now. That’s part of it. He’ll lead off tomorrow. He’ll lead off tomorrow.”

Cora targeted Hernández, who joined the Red Sox this winter, to be his new leadoff hitter early in spring training because he likes the veteran’s aggressiveness at the plate. But after a strong spring, Hernández has struggled with consistency in his role. He’s hitting just .234 with a .291 on-base percentage in 42 games.

Alex Verdugo, who succeeded in the Red Sox’ leadoff role last season, has been the No. 2 hitter for most of the year and is hitting .292 with a .348 OBP. But Cora is reluctant to change anything with an offense that ranks third in the league in runs per game but is sputtering of late (3.3 runs per game over their last seven) and could use a jolt.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/34IBYkI