Kiké Hernández began the season on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from left elbow surgery he underwent in the offseason.
But Hernández has made major progress as he works toward returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On Saturday, Hernandez was hitting on the field, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipates having the utilityman back as soon as possible.
“It’s a big step,” Roberts said. “He and Tommy (Edman) both look good. I don’t know when Kike comes off, but I’d be shocked if he wasn’t ready when that time is up.
“But taking grounders, the way he’s moving, the way he’s throwing, catching it, the swing, the ball coming off the bat, all that stuff. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was in the lineup tonight.”
Hernández was placed on the 60-day IL on Feb. 21, but the timing of that didn’t begin until just before the regular season started and thus May 24 is the earliest he can be added back to the active roster.
The initial belief was Hernández would return around the midseason point, but things have progressed much more rapidly than anticipated.
Despite the Dodgers posting a more cautious return time, Hernández previously expressed he would miss about two months of the season.
Hernández re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $4.5 million contract for the 2026 season, but that was delayed until just before Spring Training began so the Dodgers could place him on the injured list after making the deal official.
The 34-year-old appeared in 92 games last season, hitting 203/.255/.366 with eight doubles, 10 home runs, and 35 RBI.
He also appeared in all 17 playoff games, despite dealing with his elbow injury. He batted .250 with one home run, nine runs scored and seven RBI, while also making one of the most memorable defensive plays of their October run.
Dodgers pitchers making progress
Evan Phillips, Blake Snell and Brock Stewart have all been making progress in their rehab as well. Phillips and Snell both threw bullpen sessions, and Roberts said they looked good.
Stewart faced hitters in a live batting practice session before the game, and the results were also encouraging.
Roberts estimated Stewart will need to face batters at least one more time before then potentially beginning a rehab assignment. It’s expected to take place before the Dodgers leave for their first road trip of the season next week.
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