The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Kiké Hernández since the middle of July because of left elbow inflammation. He was initially projected to return shortly after the All-Star break, but the injury has lingered longer than expected.
Hernández has treated the elbow issue with a cortisone shot, but also received PRP injections and other nonsurgical procedures in effort of speeding up his recovery. Hernández has made substantial progress in recent days and could be a candidate to rejoin the Dodgers when rosters expand on Sept. 1.
“Yeah, he is,” manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if Hernández could ramp up soon. “I think he’s pain-free, played catch, and he’s coming. He’s doing baseball activities now, still think that it’s kind of a September 1 situation. I think that’s kind of a broad, vague, grayish kind of date, but I think that’s kind of looking at the rehab and getting back.
“I think that’s kind of what we’re hoping for.”
Hernández aggravated his elbow when he slid awkwardly into home plate during a game against the Cleveland Guardians in late May.
He initially attempted to play through the injury before disclosing it to the Dodgers. Hernández was clearly impacted by the discomfort as he went just 8-for-his-last-59 at the plate before landing on the IL.
The 33-year-old is in the midst of an overall down year as he’s batting just .195/.259/.367 with five doubles, eight home runs and 22 RBI across 186 plate appearances (71 games). While he has struggled offensively, Hernández continued to provide value with his versatility, appearing at six different positions this season.
Hyeseong Kim nearing rehab assignment
Hyeseong Kim was placed on the injured list with left shoulder bursitis at the end of July after initially attempting to play through the pain. He received a cortisone injection and was shut down in the days after, but resumed fielding drills last week.
Kim will continue with baseball activities in the days ahead before potentially going on a Minor League rehab assignment next week.
“Yes, he’ll need a rehab,” Roberts said of Kim. “He’s going to stay back here this week when we’re in Anaheim. He’ll take coach’s batting practice here, and then he’ll do a live session late next week here, back here at the end of the week.
“And then hopefully the following week, he’ll go out on a rehab.
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