Teoscar Hernandez said on October 3, 2026, that he embraces high-pressure at-bats, does not fear striking out and is focused on helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win.
“I really don't care if I strike out in big situations,” Hernandez said. He added that he wants to be the hitter in critical moments, saying, “the bigger the moment the more focus I get.” Hernandez also talked with Dave Roberts about big bats.
Hernandez explained that his focus is on contributing pitch by pitch rather than dwelling on his regular-season performance: “it's about what can I do at bat pitch by pitch to help this team win.” He stated that the Dodgers are trying to win 10 more games in 2026. He also said he began the season well, suffered an injury and then worked to return and help the team win.
Hernandez credited the routines, extra work and early work he had maintained for his improved September, saying it came from “all the extra work that I was doing or the early work that I was doing.” He noted that he and Kyle Tucker supported each other through difficult stretches: “we stay together. We have each other's back.” Hernandez said he felt happier than Tucker when Tucker's ball left the park, adding, “I think I was more happy than him.”
Hernandez praised Tarik Skubal as a competitor and said Skubal's dedication and work habits have benefited the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also said the first three games feature Skubal, Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the starting pitchers, explaining that “it gives you a little bit of break... but at the same time, it puts you a little pressure.” Hernandez credited Dodgers fans for supporting the team through his difficult regular season, saying, “Dodger fans are the best ones.” He also stated that fans supported the team in 2024 and 2025: “We saw it 24 and 25.”