Kike Hernandez’s Long-Awaited Dodgers Return Set for Mariners Series
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kike Hernandez, after months on the injured list, is ready to return for the Dodgers after the end of his rehab assignment.
Hernandez has been out with a severe oblique strain, something that he picked up while coming back from elbow surgery.
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At the end of the season, he opted to get elbow surgery after playing through it to play in the postseason. It left him with a long recovery, which included missing the World Baseball Classic and the start of the season.
Hernandez returned in late May, playing two games against the Rockies and looking rejuvenated at the plate, but his comeback was a short one.
May 25, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) hits a RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe exact injury came on his left oblique, and any injury in the middle of the body can be tricky to return from.
However, manager Dave Roberts was left impressed with how quickly Hernandez healed. He thought the Puerto Rican could have come back a lot sooner, but the Dodgers have been careful with bringing him back
“Honestly, he looks normal,” Roberts said. “It’s really, I don’t want to say miraculous, but I’m really in disbelief how well he’s responded, given the injury. … Swinging, throwing, everything.
“There’s no compensation or feeling it. Certainly a quick healer. He’s working hard to get back.”
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) takes batting practice during World Series team workouts at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesWhat does Hernandez’s return mean for the Dodgers?
In Triple-A, Hernandez has gotten 18 at-bats, with six hits to his name, two of which were doubles, and a home run.
His swing improvements have seemingly carried over despite his injuries. He continues to look comfortable at the plate and deliver results.
With him returning, Alex Freeland is the likely roster casualty, moving back down to Triple-A.
Although there is a chance that Alex Call could be designated for assignment, Roberts and the Dodgers tend to favor his outfield versatility and baserunning.
Regardless, Hernandez unlocks a ton of flexibility, helping the Dodgers rotate at a ton of positions. More importantly, the veteran team gets the chance to totally integrate him into the picture ahead of October.