Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez could return from the injured list before the end of July, per MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
Hernandez suffered a “significant” tear in his oblique during his first rehab assignment of the season, which came in late May following a lengthy recovery from offseason surgery on his elbow, though he decided to play through it.
He featured in two games after his return and looked great, going 4-for-4 across two games with three extra-base hits including a homer while tallying two RBIs. Hernandez left the second game early after suffering the injury. He began his rehab assignment Friday, going 1-for-3, and Chen says he could make his way back to the big leagues following the Dodgers’ three-series road trip.
“Hernández is unlikely to return during the Dodgers’ three-city road trip visiting the Yankees, Phillies and Mets, but he could be activated from the 10-day injured list during L.A.’s next homestand beginning on July 28,” Chen wrote.
Manager Dave Roberts commented on Hernandez’s recovery, impressed with the haste with which he is progressing.
“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.”
Where Will Kiké Hernandez Play When He Returns?
Hernandez played both of his games in MLB this season at third base, but—as the Dodgers have showcased during his 10 years in LA—the fan favorite can feature around the diamond. The super utility man has played every position but catcher for the Dodgers over the course of his career, and they’re sure to slot him in wherever he is needed.
Tommy Edman has played third on occasion for Max Muncy, so that option is less likely than it was in Hernandez’s first return, but opportunities at second, shortstop and both corner outfield positions aren’t out of the question.
That leaves the matter of who he would replace on the roster, and Chen believes the likeliest option is Alex Freeland, who came up from Triple-A when Hernandez went back on the injured list.
“As things stand, rookie infielder Alex Freeland would likely be the odd man out upon Hernández’s return,” Chen wrote. “Freeland was recalled when Hernández went on the IL and would have even more reduced playing time with the veteran utility player back on the roster.”
