The reigning MLB champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are a team of contrasts. Last weekend they heroically defeated the San Diego Padres to sweep the series and recently tied their duel against the worst team in the league, the Colorado Rockies, with two wins apiece. Among this inconsistent performance has also been caused by the high number of injuries to the squad, including Kike Hernandez, where Angels manager Dave Roberts said he was unsure if the utility man would be available to return this season.
It should be remembered that the Puerto Rican baseball player was placed on the 10-day disabled list on July 7 due to inflammation in his left elbow. They tried a cortisone injection, rehabilitation procedures and rest, but nothing seemed to work. Kike did everything possible to avoid the operating room, to which Dave Roberts mentioned on August 4: “There is certainly no guarantee, but we are hopeful that he will return”. However, some images have caused a stir among Dodgers fans.
What was Kike Hernandez’s last rehabilitation process?
Los Angeles Dodgers managers have highlighted the great recovery that Kike Hernandez has had in the last week where he has been allowed to register with the Triple-A Oklahoma City team to complete his rehabilitation process since last Wednesday where he hit a double and an RBI in three at-bats. Dave Roberts said the Dodgers could get Hernandez back next week which will see him miss the road series against the San Diego Padres this weekend.
Hernandez is undoubtedly a fan favorite with the Dodgers. He played six seasons with Los Angeles and won the 2020 World Series before declaring free agency that offseason. “I would say it’s possible that Kike will be back with us next week,” Roberts told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. That means it’s likely to see him back in action at Dodger Stadium against the Cincinnati Reds.
How has Kike Hernandez performed with the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Enrique “Kike” Hernandez has been with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2015. He was only absent from the California team when he was traded for two and a half seasons to the Boston Red Sox in 2021. But then, the Red Sox traded Hernandez back to the Dodgers in 2023 for two right-handed pitchers. The Caribbean native played an important role in helping Los Angeles win the 2020 World Series and their next and final title last season.
Hernandez is a versatile, above-average defender that the Dodgers can utilize all over the diamond. Plus, he finds a way to shine at the plate in the postseason, even after a slow start. This season, his batting average is .195/.259/.367 and he has posted a .626 OPS in 72 games. He faced similar difficulties in the first half of the 2024 season. But Dodgers fans know that having Kike healthy in October is an advantage and it looks like he’ll be back for the postseason.
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