The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Kiké Hernández off the 10-day injured list and designated Buddy Kennedy for assignment prior to Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Kennedy’s time with the Dodgers appears to have come to an end after appearing in seven games. He was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 15.
That was in response to the Dodgers putting Max Muncy on the 10-day IL with a Grade 1 right oblique strain amid already being thin on infield depth with Hernández and Hyeseong Kim also unavailable.
Kennedy and Alex Freeland were the options the Dodgers relied on at third base since Muncy’s stint on the injured list began. Freeland is starting at the position on Monday and figures to continue in that role, potentially with Hernández or Miguel Rojas mixing in.
Kennedy had one hit and five strikeouts in 17 at-bats during his time with the Dodgers. He previously had Major League experience with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2022-2023), Detroit Tigers (2024), Philadelphia Phillies (2024-2025) and Blue Jays (2025) as well.
The Diamondbacks drafted Kennedy in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Dodgers get boost with Kiké Hernández
Hernández is back after being out since July 6 because of left elbow inflammation. The Dodgers initially believed he would return shortly after the All-Star break, but Hernández continued to deal with lingering trouble.
It led to having nonsurgical procedures in effort to aid the recovery process. Hernández began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City last week and hit .357 with two doubles and three RBI over five games.
Hernández’s return comes at a time where manager Dave Roberts has made it clear the Dodgers need more production from left field amid Michael Conforto’s season-long slump. Hernández hasn’t fared all that well in 2025 either, but did spend a stretch playing through the left elbow injury before disclosing it to the team.
Hernández also has a strong track record of being a postseason performer.
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