On a roster full of superstars, Hernández has served as a utility player and culture-builder in Los Angeles for nine of his 12 seasons in the big leagues. Hernández batted .203/.255/.366 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 92 games last year, and he wasn’t any better in the playoffs, going 5-for-28 (.179) in the World Series.

Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer got hurt on a seventh-inning swing and had to leave the game, only to have his spot in the order come up six more times. Dodgers’ catcher Will Smith and third baseman Max Muncy nearly hit walk-off home runs in the 14th, and Hernández nearly hit one in the 16th.