“Honestly, I think it’s easier for the body to play in the infield than to play in center field,” Hernández said. “That was one of the things that stuck with me in 21 when I started going there every day at the start of the season. It was just like, man, I had a lot more respect for the outfielders that just because even jogging to the dugout and back and forth between sets, it was taking its toll.
“I think I’m better suited for the infield because I like to play the game fast and the game is much faster in the infield. I love being involved in the game, and there’s a lot more I can do in the infield when it comes to communicating with my teammates and how I see the game and everything.
Hernández doesn’t have many, if any, worries making the transition to the infield. He pointed to a road game against the Los Angeles Angels last season as a reason. In that contest, he was called up to play shortstop in the final innings and played a key role after not fielding a ground player since spring training.
For Hernández, being at shortstop feels really natural.
“For me, it’s like riding a bike,” Hernández said. “And I mean that in the most humble way possible. I am an infielder capable of playing in the outfield. That’s how I say it.
