The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the thick of a tight NL West race with the San Diego Padres, and every healthy player matters. Two of their versatile utilitymen, Kiké Hernández and Hyeseong Kim, are showing encouraging signs in their recoveries, giving the Dodgers hope as September and the stretch run approach.
Hernández has been sidelined since mid-July due to left elbow inflammation, an injury that stemmed from an awkward slide into home plate against the Cleveland Guardians in late May. The 33-year-old initially tried to play through the discomfort, but it ultimately affected his performance. Before landing on the injured list, Hernández went just 8-for-59 at the plate, a stark contrast to the consistency he’s delivered in prior seasons.
“Kiké Hernández and Hyeseong Kim are taking batting practice today,” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reported. “For Hernández, it’s particularly notable: swinging a bat was what brought him most discomfort while he was attempting to play with his left elbow issue.”
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Hernández, who was instrumental during the Dodgers’ playoff run last year, posted a remarkable .808 OPS in 14 games while playing three different positions. That versatility helped offset a regular-season OPS of .709, highlighting his value in October despite a high-profile roster stacked with stars.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Hernández has made substantial progress and is now pain-free. “Yeah, he is,” Roberts said when asked about Hernández ramping up. “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.”
Meanwhile, Hyeseong Kim, who was placed on the injured list at the end of July with left shoulder bursitis, has also resumed baseball activities. The rookie, acquired in the offseason to strengthen the Dodgers’ infield depth, has played centerfield, second base, and third base and hit .304 across 58 games before injury.
“Yes, he’ll need a rehab,” Roberts said. “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, back here at the end of the week. And then hopefully the following week, he’ll go out on a rehab.”
The Dodgers have struggled recently, posting a 14-21 record since July 4 and losing eight games in the standings to San Diego. Even after retaking the division lead with Saturday’s win, the team can’t afford to be short-handed. Getting Hernández and Kim back in the lineup could provide a boost to a club relying on small, impactful plays, as both players have proven themselves capable of contributing across multiple positions.
Hernández’s experience and postseason success, combined with Kim’s promising rookie season, underscore the importance of depth and versatility, particularly as the Dodgers eye another playoff run. As rosters expand on September 1, both players could play key roles in stabilizing the infield and providing strategic flexibility for manager Dave Roberts during the final push.
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