The Los Angeles Dodgers can have Kike Hernandez back relatively soon, adding a quality depth player to the active roster, though there is an obstacle in the way of his return.
Hernandez missed the start of the season due to elbow surgery, which led to his debut coming more than a month into the season.
However, he ended up getting put back on the injured list with an oblique strain, something that he picked up during his rehabilitation assignment in Triple-A, but he played through for two games.
The Dodgers’ fan favorite went 4-for-4 in his return, along with a home run, looking to be hitting better than he ever has.
It was a crushing blow for the Dodgers, who looked like they were getting their veteran back and getting into the swing of things before the postseason.
Despite being known for his postseason work as a hitter, he hit only .250/.290/.359 in 2025, a step down from his playoff averages.
Luckily for the Dodgers, Hernandez will likely not miss too much time, and he looks good on the field during warm-ups.
“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.”
How much longer will Kike Hernandez be out?
On July 8th, Roberts said that Hernandez can go away on a rehab assignment right now, but the Dodgers have not sent him out yet.
In fact, the team needs to wait 20 days before they can send him again, per Dave Roberts.
Considering that Hernandez is ready to start an assignment, but the Dodgers are likely facing an MLB rule hurdle stopping him from going out.
Hernandez is taking part in live batting practice, facing off against fellow Puerto Rican Edwin Diaz. For the time being, this will be all that Hernandez can do, though hopefully, his rehab assignment ends up being relatively short.
