Kiké Hernández’s Potential Cactus League Debut for Dodgers Revealed

The Los Angeles Dodgers brought back utility player Kiké Hernández on Monday. After the free agent reportedly narrowed down his options to the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins, he instead ended up re-signing with the Dodgers.

Now that Hernández is under contract, he wasted no time joining his new (old) teammates in Spring Training. Hernández will play in his first Spring Training game this Friday, when the Dodgers host the Cleveland Guardians at 5 p.m. PST, according to Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group.

Hernández returns to the Dodgers on a one-year deal for $4 million. Prior to re-signing, the Dodgers made room for him by trading Manuel Margot to the Minnesota Twins. By bringing in Hernández and trading Margot, the Dodgers get a player who is more versatile, having played every position but first base and catcher.

Hernández, of course, already has a history with the Dodgers having played for them in 2023 and from 2015-20. His three-homer game in Game 5 of the 2017 National League Championship Series lifted the Dodgers into their first World Series since 1988.

Now there’s another Spring Training debut for fans to look forward to, especially since Hernández is a fan favorite. Dodgers fans are already getting treated to several debuts this week, starting with Shohei Ohtani playing his first game for the Dodgers on Tuesday. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will follow with his debut on Wednesday, and Hernández will close out the week of debuts on Friday.

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

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