Dodgers Acquire Teoscar Hernandez for Jackie Robinson Day

Hernandez's addition could help the team avoid controversy on a historic day.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:09pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player sliding into home plate, the action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The Dodgers' acquisition of Teoscar Hernandez aims to ensure their Jackie Robinson Day celebration reflects the pioneering spirit of the baseball legend.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired outfielder Teoscar Hernandez just in time for Jackie Robinson Day on April 15th. The move comes as the team faced potential backlash for not having any Black players on their roster to honor the legacy of the baseball pioneer who broke the color barrier.

Why it matters

Jackie Robinson Day is a significant annual event in Major League Baseball, commemorating the day in 1947 when Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first Black player in the modern era. The Dodgers, who moved to Los Angeles in 1958, have a responsibility to properly recognize and celebrate this historic milestone, which the acquisition of Hernandez helps address.

The details

The Dodgers acquired Hernandez, a two-time All-Star, from an undisclosed team in a trade that sent several prospects the other way. Hernandez, who is of Dominican descent, will likely start in the outfield for the Dodgers on Jackie Robinson Day as the team looks to avoid criticism for not having any Black players on their active roster.

  • The trade for Hernandez was completed on April 10, 2026, just five days before Jackie Robinson Day.
  • Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated annually on April 15th to mark the date in 1947 when he made his MLB debut.

The players

Teoscar Hernandez

A two-time MLB All-Star outfielder who was recently acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jackie Robinson

The first Black player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball, making his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing in a player like Teoscar to honor Jackie's legacy is the right thing to do. We want to make sure we're properly recognizing this important day in baseball history.”

— Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers will hold a special pregame ceremony on April 15th to celebrate Jackie Robinson's impact on the game, with Teoscar Hernandez expected to be a central part of the festivities.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' acquisition of Teoscar Hernandez demonstrates the team's commitment to properly honoring Jackie Robinson Day and the pioneering spirit of the civil rights icon who broke baseball's color barrier.