Mar 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernandez (8) throws the ball to first base against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium.
A familiar presence is set to return to Los Angeles.
Since being placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation on July 7, Kiké Hernandez has been making a steady upclimb to return to a Dodgers roster that desperately needs his bat and fielding abilities.
There was a time when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that it was quite possible that Hernandez would not return this season, but miraculously, the utility man is scheduled to return for the Dodgers’ next home stand on Monday when they host the Cincinnati Reds.
Hernandez made the jump and started appearing in rehab assignments for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, OKC Comets, and got off to a great start, slugging a double and recording three RBI.
Since starting his rehab with OKC, Hernandez has played consistently, either being the designated hitter or fielding some reps in the outfield. With Hernandez getting some playing time in the outfield, it could mean that once he returns, the Dodgers could play with their options and have Hernandez start over someone like Michael Conforto to provide a productive bat and fielding merchant in the lineup.
There is no denying that Hernandez has had his struggles this season, hitting .195 with 8 home runs, 22 runs batted in, and a .626. OPS in 72 games played.
With the absence of key position players from the Dodgers roster, such as Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim, Los Angeles is in desperate need to have someone like Hernandez back on an everyday basis to provide the depth that has been notably missing all year.
