Kiké Hernández began the season on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 60-day injured list after undergoing left elbow surgery in the offseason, but has been on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets since May 5.
Hernández said he is in a good spot with his health as he continues to build up his physical capabilities, according to Geoff Grammer the Albuquerque Journal:
“I mean, it’s basically still like the first week of spring training for me, so as far as my elbow and my health, I feel good,” Hernández said. “Still trying to get ready, getting my rhythm and have my body feel good enough to play a full game, trying to get timing and all that at the plate.”
The 34-year-old has yet to play a full game during his time with the Comets, logging 35 innings at third base across his six appearances.
Hernández is getting his legs under him at the plate, but tallied three hits in four at-bats in his last game. He now has five hits in 19 at-bats so far.
Hernández can be on rehab for up to 20 days, so he has a max of nine days remaining before returning to the Dodgers. He may not bring much in the way of offensive ability, but his presence in the clubhouse and defensive versatility will be a welcome addition when the time is right.
The Dodgers’ position player group did receive a boost recently with the return of Mookie Betts, but the status of Tommy Edman remains up in the air as he continues to deal with ankle soreness.
Kiké Hernández likely replacing Santiago Espinal
Hernández’s impending activation raises the question of which member of the 26-man roster will be involved in the corresponding move.
The Dodgers may have tipped their hand with the recent restructuring of Santiago Espinal’s contract. Espinal earned a spot on the Opening Day roster with a good performance during Spring Training, but he has largely struggled through the first month-and-a-half of the regular season.
The restructured deal extended a deadline that would allow L.A. to release a player without paying the remainder of the player’s owed salary.
Espinal originally signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason.
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