Kiké Hernández got off to a resounding start since being activated from the 60-day injured list, but now the Los Angeles Dodgers may be without him once again.
Hernández was removed from Tuesday’s game in the top of the fifth inning due to a left oblique strain. Hyeseong Kim entered to play second base, which moved Miguel Rojas over to third.
Hernández went 2-for-2 with a double, home run and two RBI prior to leaving the game early. The SportsNet LA broadcast showed a replay of Hernández’s double in the bottom of the fourth inning, and he noticeably did not run out of the batter’s box with the expected effort.
He appeared to slightly grimace while rounding first base and also did not have a demonstrative celebration upon arriving at second.
Hernández started at third base each of the last two games due in part to Max Muncy being on the mend from getting hit by a pitch in his right hand. Though, Hernández figured to be in the lineup on Tuesday anyhow given that the Rockies started a left-hander in Kyle Freeland.
Hernández remarked on Monday how much healthier he was feeling after playing through a significant left elbow injury last season. It caused him to struggle offensively and nearly resulted in Hernández not being able to return after going on the injured list because treatments weren’t proving successful.
What Kiké’s injury means
Assuming Hernández needs to go back on the injured list, the Dodgers are likely to recall Alex Freeland from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The timing of the injury comes after the Dodgers decided to potentially lose depth by designating Santiago Espinal for assignment rather than sending Kim down to the Minors.
Though, had Kim been optioned, the team still would have required a secondary move to make room on their 40-man roster for Hernández’s return.
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