Dodgers slugger Javier Herrera downplays importance of saving Shohei Ohtani

John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune

The Los Angeles Dodgers capitalized on playing an overmatched Chicago White Sox team by clinching the final series with a 4-0 victory at Guaranteed Rate Field on Wednesday.

The Dodgers offense gave Gavin Stone four runs of support, but it turns out all he needed was just one as he pitched a complete game scoreless run, which was the first of the team since the 2022 season and the first by a rookie in 11 seasons.

But arguably the biggest news of the game was Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking 10th consecutive game with at least one RBI, giving him sole possession of the Dodgers’ franchise record.

As it turned out, that wasn’t the only notable moment involving Ohtani. During a Kiké Hernández at-bat later in the game, a display of athleticism by Dodgers slugger Javier Herrera saved Ohtani from a hit.

In the video, which later made the rounds on social media, Herrera showed off his impressive reaction time and hand-eye coordination to catch a foul ball that was hurtling toward Ohtani and Dodgers coach Danny Lehmann in the dugout.

Herrera downplayed his heroic feat when speaking to the media about the viral event, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times:

“I don’t know,” Herrera said reluctantly. “I was just doing my job.”

Asked about his reaction speed, Herrera, who is in his 18th year with the club, said: “I saw the throw from end to end. He hit the bat and the ball practically found me. I was able to catch it. »

Later, Herrera returned to see the film and came away even more impressed:

“I’ve seen it 100 times,” Herrera said. “It was quite impressive. I was impressed. But in the moment, it was like, ‘OK, let’s keep playing.’

Ohtani was instrumental in the Dodgers’ success following Mookie Betts’ injury. During his 10-game RBI streak, Ohtani hit .444/.563/1.194 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs.

It finally ended Friday, but Ohtani still positioned himself to win National League Player of the Month for June.

Herrera’s catch won’t show up in the scorebook, but it could be one of the biggest catches a member of the Dodgers organization makes all season.

Dugout reaction to Dodgers batter’s catch

Each new view of Herrera’s catch offers insight into the different reactions of players, coaches and other team members.

The general reaction was positive, with a sense of relief as well.

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