Kike Hernández has always been the heartbeat of October baseball in Los Angeles. Fans still talk about his explosive 2017 NLCS performance, the night he crushed three home runs and carried the Dodgers back to the World Series spotlight. Over the years he evolved into the type of player every manager dreams of: reliable, fearless, and willing to throw himself into any position the game required.
That reputation grew even more during the Dodgers’ recent title run. Hernández pushed through a long list of aches just to stay on the field, including what he now reveals was a serious elbow issue that began way back in May. The slide into home against Cleveland marked the start of something that would only get worse as the year went on.
Despite injections, PRP treatments, and plenty of grit, his elbow simply could not take the workload. This week, the 34-year-old told fans that he finally needed surgery. The news was difficult enough, but it came with a second blow: he will not be able to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
My people of Puerto Rico, with pain in my soul, I have to let you know that I will not fulfill my dream of playing the classic in my land
Kike Hernández explains how playing through pain led to a broken bone
In his post, Hernández shared that the original tear in his elbow extension muscle worsened as he pushed to help the Dodgers repeat as champions. He eventually suffered a bone fracture, leaving surgery as his only real option. Rehab now stands between him and the WBC, something that clearly stings more than the operation itself.
The reactions online have been emotional and supportive. Messages flooded his social media from Puerto Rican fans, Dodgers faithful, and MLB followers who admire the way he plays the sport. “You are a horse, brother, my respects always,” one fan wrote. Others simply said they were praying for his recovery and grateful for everything he gave during the postseason grind.
Hernández’s career has always been built on hustle. This year alone he played first, second, third, shortstop, left field, and center. That versatility is why he is beloved and why his absence in the WBC feels like such a loss for Puerto Rico.
As he begins his rehab journey as a free agent, his future will depend on how quickly his elbow returns to full strength. For now, supporters are focused on wishing him well and hoping this setback is only temporary. If history has shown anything, it is that Kike Hernández tends to come back when the lights are brightest, ready for another chapter.
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