Kiké Hernández hit a solo homer and a double on Tuesday before exiting. Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty ImagesMay 27, 2026 Updated 12:34 am EDTLOS ANGELES — Kiké Hernández’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after offseason elbow surgery lasted all of four plate appearances, as Hernández winced rounding first base on his fourth-inning double in Tuesday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies.Hernández completed his turn around the bases but was replaced by Hyeseong Kim in the fifth inning. The utilityman had an extended conversation in the dugout with manager Dave Roberts before heading down to the clubhouse.The Dodgers announced Hernández strained his left oblique, which could threaten a position player group that was nearing full strength for the first time this season.
Hernández played most of 2025 through a left elbow injury that Dr. Neal ElAttrache called “the worst injury I’ve ever seen of this kind” after surgery in November. His return was set to be a boon for a clubhouse in which he is beloved and a lineup starved for his energy. Hernández reached safely in all four plate appearances Monday and Tuesday, including a solo home run in Tuesday’s contest.Now, the Dodgers might have to live without him again.The club will likely recall infielder Alex Freeland, who was out of the lineup Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City and en route to Los Angeles, as the organization evaluated the slumping Kim’s tenuous place on the active roster, league sources told The Athletic. They have one other infielder on the 40-man roster, Tyler Fitzgerald, after they designated Santiago Espinal for assignment to clear a spot for Hernández.Freeland and Kim could help provide coverage until Tommy Edman returns from offseason ankle surgery. Edman started his rehab assignment with Oklahoma City on Tuesday, going 1-for-3 and playing five innings at second base.
