​The Los Angeles Dodgers could have Kike Hernandez back on the active roster in the near future, adding a reliable depth option for the stretch run, though an obstacle stands in the way of his return. Hernandez missed the opening portion of the season due to elbow surgery, which delayed his debut by more than a month. After finally stepping onto the field, he faced another setback when he was placed back on the injured list with an oblique strain he sustained during a rehab assignment in Triple-A. He nevertheless pushed through for two games, showcasing his resilience. In his return, the popular infielder came up big, going 4-for-4 with a home run, signaling what could be a peak-level performance as he looks to be hitting better than ever.
A scene from Dodger Stadium captures the moment on May 25, 2026, in Los Angeles, when Enrique Hernandez—Kike to the Dodgers faithful—made his mark as the second baseman hits an RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies. The image, captured at Dodger Stadium, underscores the excitement fans feel about Hernandez’s potential return and the impact a healthy, productive veteran can have on a lineup that thrives on depth and postseason experience. The moment also highlights the emotional pull Hernandez has with the fan base, who have long valued his speed, glove work, and timely power.
The timing of Hernandez’s return could not have been more critical for a club that hoped to incorporate him seamlessly into the late-season push. While Hernandez has been recognized for his postseason pedigree as a hitter, his 2025 numbers—a .250/.290/.359 triple-slash line—represented a step back from the peak postseason performances he has delivered in the past. Still, the Dodgers can take solace in the belief that Hernandez may not miss substantial time and could rejoin the team soon with his on-field form looking robust during warm-ups.
A moment reflected in a photo from July 6, 2026, in Los Angeles shows Hernandez in the mix as the Dodgers celebrate a walk-off victory against the Rockies, with catcher Dalton Rushing and infielders Miguel Rojas and Kike Hernandez sharing a congratulatory moment after the decisive hit. The scene underscores how Hernandez’s return would add veteran leadership and a proven track record in clutch situations, elements the club hopes to lean on during the postseason push.
Manager Dave Roberts has publicly praised Hernandez’s recovery. “Honestly, he looks normal,” Roberts said, expressing a sense of disbelief at how well Hernandez has responded to the injury. “Swinging, throwing, everything. There’s no compensation or feeling it. He’s a quick healer, and he’s working hard to get back.” Those comments reflect the belief that Hernandez’s return could be both timely and impactful, particularly given his ability to contribute in multiple facets—offense, defense, and baserunning.
As of early July, the Dodgers were still contemplating the best path for Hernandez’s return. Roberts indicated that Hernandez could begin a rehab assignment immediately if the team chose to proceed, but the Dodgers have not yet sent him out. In fact, MLB rules require a 20-day waiting period before the team can send him on another rehab assignment if a prior one is interrupted or concluded. Hernandez has been participating in live batting practice, facing off against fellow Puerto Rican Edwin Diaz in simulated competition. While this setup is not as aggressive as a full rehab stint, it provides a productive step toward returning Hernandez to game action.
The current plan remains fluid as the Dodgers balance a careful approach with the need to bolster their roster for a postseason push. Hernandez’s rehab participation is a positive sign, and if the team can streamline the process, he could rejoin the lineup in a matter of weeks. The Dodgers will likely prioritize ensuring there is no re-injury risk while maximizing his readiness to contribute immediately upon activation. In the meantime, Hernandez’s teammates and Dodgers fans alike will be watching closely, hopeful that his return will unlock additional depth in the lineup and solidify a supplementation option that has the potential to shift the balance in tight late-season games.
In sum, Kike Hernandez’s road back to the active roster is progressing with encouraging speed. The combination of his proven postseason performance, strong showings in rehab, and the organizational commitment to a cautious, deliberate return points to a potentially swift reintegration. If the Dodgers manage to finalize the rehab process and clear him for game action without setbacks, Hernandez could soon provide the team with a valuable, multifaceted contributor who can help drive the club toward its postseason goals.