Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kike Hernandez, who suffered a notable oblique strain, is finally eyeing a return timetable to hopefully come back and stay on the field.
Hernandez missed the start of the year, came back for two games, and went back on the injured list — a truly sad turn of events for a fun-filled player on the field.
While his clubhouse presence is still surely felt when he is with the team, it is not the same as when he is on the field, making plays, lining up in all kinds of spots, and having goofy interactions.
Hernandez has been out since May 27th with his oblique strain. It has now been a month and a half, but he at least has light at the end of the tunnel.
Hernandez is taking daily batting practice now and doing his defensive drills regularly as well. He is set to go on a rehabilitation assignment during some unknown window — Dave Roberts made it sound like it was elegbility issue — and rejoin the team.
When does Hernandez think he will return?
He is aiming to be back in the fold after their road trip to New York and Philadelphia immediately after the All-Star break.
“The day it happened [in late May], they told me essentially close to three months [to return],” Hernandez said.
“I put it as my personal goal to be back before August 1. That seems like it’s going to happen. I just came in every day really focused on what I had to do.”
Hernandez only had four at-bats, but he looked amazing at the plate, better than he has in a while. He went 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.
After a couple of down stretches at the plate, it looks like Hernandez was firing at a level that can bring him back to his postseason heroics.
The Dodgers will certainly love to get him back, though it will force a tough roster decision.
