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Just about everything is going to plan for the 2024 and 2025 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. They are 59-31, first place in the National League West and on the verge of sweeping their arch rival San Diego Padres.
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That is not to say that there have not been issues this season. Star catcher Will Smith has not played since June 5 due to a neck injury. Starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have not been on the mound much this year.
A particularly interesting Dodger who is currently on the injured list is utility Kiké Hernández. He has been on the shelf since May 27 with an oblique strain, and had previously spent time on the IL recovering from elbow surgery.
Hernández has only appeared in two games this season, but played in 93 during 2025. He slashed .203/.255/.366 (.621 OPS) and hit 10 home runs along with 35 RBIs. On defense, he played five different positions, not including a few relief appearances on the mound.
This season has been a tough one for Hernández with all the injuries, but it seems like he may be on the way back soon enough.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Hernández was making big strides in his oblique rehab. He will take live at-bats against Edwin Díaz before Sunday’s game against the Padres at Dodger Stadium.
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Kiké Hernández will be taking some ABs against Díaz too
Dave Roberts said yesterday he has been making significant strides in his recovery from an oblique strain https://t.co/1005q3myY7
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) July 5, 2026
During Hernández’s absence this season, second baseman Alex Freeland has essentially taken what would have been Hernández’s reps. In 65 games, the second-year Freeland is slashing .225/.309/.313 (.622 OPS) with three home runs and 17 RBIs.
Other players such as Santiago Espinal, Alex Call and Hyeseong Kim have also taken some of Hernández’s playing time. It has led to mixed results offensively.
The veteran utility man has been out for 39 days now, but this new update is certainly positive. As for when Hernández will actually return is anyone’s guess. The next update will likely be after the All-Star Break.
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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM.