Los Angeles Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández announced he will miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic after undergoing surgery to repair his elbow extension muscle.
In his announcement, Hernández said he originally suffered the injury in May, but played through it to help the Dodgers on their way to another World Series championship. Hernandez, who plays for Puerto Rico’s national team, will miss the upcoming tournament on his home turf.
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“My people of Puerto Rico; with pain in my soul I have to let you know that I will not be able to fulfill my dream of playing the clasico in my land!” Hernández wrote.
“Yesterday, Friday, November 14th, I had to repair my elbow extension muscle as I suffered a tear in May and continued to play with the urge to repeat as World Series Champion caused it to break the bone. Rehab won’t allow me to be ready in time to put on my uniform with Puerto Rico on my chest. I hope you understand. I LOVE YOU!”
Dodgers free agent Kiké Hernández took to Instagram to reveal he had surgery to repair his elbow extension muscle.
He also shared he won’t be able to play in the World Baseball Classic representing Puerto Rico.
Speedy recovery, Kiké ? pic.twitter.com/Z2YOw5L8LS
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 15, 2025
Hernández played 92 games for the Dodgers in 2025, batting .203 with a .621 OPS. He hit 10 home runs and recorded 35 RBIs during the regular season. The utility man got off to a hot start in the postseason, posting an OPS just shy of .800 through the Dodgers’ first three series.
He made a clutch defensive play in Game 6 of the World Series, turning an obscure double play to end the game after catching a fly ball in the bottom of the ninth inning.
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The three-time World Series champion has played nine seasons for the Dodgers, originally joining for a six-season stint from 2015-2020 and returning to LA in 2023.
Hernández is currently a free agent, and has all offseason to rehab and aim for a return in the spring.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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