​Dodgers utility man Kike Hernandez is finally nearing a return from a stubborn oblique strain that sidelined him for much of the season. After missing the opening weeks, stepping back onto the field for a two-game stint, and then returning to the injured list, Hernandez’s prospects of rejoining the lineup have begun to brighten. The upbeat clubhouse energy he carries is still felt when he’s with the team, but it’s clearly not the same as his presence on the field, where he can shuttle between positions, flash the glove, and spark his teammates with his infectious personality.
Hernandez has been out since May 27 due to the oblique issue, and while a month and a half has elapsed, there is now light at the end of the tunnel. On May 25 in Los Angeles, he participated in batting practice and worked through defensive drills as part of his recovery routine, signaling a clear progression toward a rehabilitation assignment within a window still described by manager Dave Roberts as potentially influenced by eligibility considerations. The plan, as Hernandez outlined, is to be activated after the club’s road trip to New York and Philadelphia following the All-Star break.
“The day it happened, they told me essentially three months to return,” Hernandez said. “I set a personal goal to be back before August 1. That seems like it’s going to happen. I’ve come in every day really focused on what I had to do.”
During a recent appearance at Dodger Stadium, Hernandez showcased flashes of his previous form. In limited action, he produced a standout line at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs—an eye-catching performance that suggested he might shortly rediscover the swing that powered him to postseason heroics. After some uneven stretches at the plate, Hernandez appears to have found a level of consistency that could translate into a potent return to the lineup.
For Los Angeles, reintegrating Hernandez into the everyday mix would be a boon, though it would also create a difficult roster decision as they weigh options for established players and potential call-ups. The Dodgers value Hernandez’s versatility, leadership, and the energy he brings to the clubhouse, even as his on-field contributions have been missed during his absence. If he can maintain his progress, a mid-to-late July or early August return seems plausible, with the hope that he can stay healthy and contribute down the stretch.
As Hernandez continues daily batting practice and defensive drills, the team remains optimistic about his readiness timeline. He’s pursuing a rehabilitation stint within an undetermined window, but his stated target of returning before August 1 aligns with the expectations of fans and teammates who remember his impact in big moments. If everything goes as planned, Hernandez could again become a postseason-caliber contributor for the Dodgers, offering depth at multiple positions and a spark at the plate.
In the meantime, the Dodgers will be patient and deliberate in their approach, balancing Hernandez’s workload with his long-term health. The goal is clear: get Hernandez back on the field and back into a rhythm that made him a postseason standout, while ensuring he remains healthy for the remainder of the season and beyond. The potential return of Kike Hernandez would not only stabilize depth in the infield and outfield but also inject the team with the familiar swagger and hustle that fans have come to expect from the beloved utility player.