Keith Hernandez lauds Phillies’ run to World Series: ‘Made the right moves’

Keith Hernandez lauds Phillies’ run to World Series: ‘Made the right moves’

PHILADELPHIA — Keith Hernandez caught backlash in August for his comments about the Phillies, but the former Mets first baseman’s respect for the team has increased after watching it extensively this postseason.

A team that had defensive lapses improved late in the season, leading Hernandez to reverse course from his quip in the SNY booth that he avoids working games against the Phillies because they are unenjoyable to watch due to poor fundamentals.

Hernandez praised the Phillies on Twitter during the NLCS and provided additional context Tuesday when contacted by The Post. The Mets icon went as far as to say he believes the Astros and Phillies, who were set to play Game 3 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park, are evenly matched. Hernandez credited Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski for changing perceptions about the team.

MetsMets legend and SNY broadcaster Keith Hernandez.Robert Sabo

“I think he made the right moves to improve the club defensively,” Hernandez said from his home in Florida, where he is recovering from September shoulder surgery. “It was imperative that they get a center fielder who could go get them and they got him from the Angels: [Brandon] Marsh can go get them. [Bryson] Stott at shortstop kind of stabilized the middle infield. [Jean] Segura is a good fielder, so they are strong up the middle with J.T. Realmuto behind the plate. If you are going to win you have got to be strong up the middle and they are defensively.

“Their corner infielders and corner outfielders are not good defensively, but they improved their defense up the middle and they also improved their bullpen. The Phillies made a lot of good moves at the deadline to get this club going in the right direction.”

The Phillies’ 1-2-3 rotation punch of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez intrigues Hernandez enough that he can envision them winning the series. And Hernandez said the Phillies’ lineup was exceptional in escaping a 5-0 hole against presumptive AL Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander to win Game 1.

“Everybody said Verlander didn’t have his good stuff, but the Phillies put the pressure on Verlander and there were some impressive at-bats against Verlander,” Hernandez said. “His first few innings were solid and then the second time through the order they made him work and they got him out of his rhythm. After they got him the five runs, I thought Verlander would get in a groove and the Phillies put together from top to bottom quality at-bats against him. They got him frustrated.”

PhilliesThe Phillies celebrate winning Game 1 of the World Series.Getty Images

Hernandez said he’s torn between rooting for the Phillies or Astros. The decision would be much easier for him if he didn’t hold such high regard for Astros manager Dusty Baker.

“I am rooting because I am a National Leaguer for the Phillies, but Dusty is a very dear friend and I feel Dusty should be in the Hall of Fame,” Hernandez said. “Win or lose the World Series, he should be in the Hall of Fame and it shouldn’t be reliant on him winning a World Series. Everywhere he’s gone he has won and he’s a Hall of Fame manager as far as I am concerned. I am kind of mixed, but I do feel this is a flip of the coin who can win.”

As for his own situation, Hernandez is still in discomfort following his shoulder surgery for a tendon tear caused by his stumbling on a curb. As he attempted to catch his glasses and phone, Hernandez landed on his shoulder. Recovery time from the surgery is four to six months.

“It’s still hurting,” Hernandez said. “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”