Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kike Hernandez discussed his recovery from shoulder surgery and outlined a return timeline.
Hernandez suffered a shoulder injury during the regular season, leading to time on the injured list. However, he powered through the pain and went on to play throughout the post as a key man all over the field.
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As soon as the season ended, however, he underwent surgery and announced it on Instagram.
His injury did not affect his free agency, as the Dodgers inked him to a one-year, $5 million deal.
Apr 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) pitches in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Hernandez was immediately put on the 60-day injured list upon signing, with the team waiting for the window to open up before signing him to avoid losing a roster spot.
He was with the team for the start of training camp before dying his hair blonde and departing for the World Baseball Classic to support his native Puerto Rico.
During his injury announcement, he expressed his regret over missing the WBC.
“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,” Hernandez wrote in Spanish
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“Yesterday Friday November 14th, I had to repair my elbow extension muscle as I suffered a tear in Mayo, and continuing 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 they understand. I LOVE THEM!”
Hernandez has set his return date from injury for May 24, giving him two months to recover this season.
Kike Hernandez makes progress
With no setbacks or complications, Hernandez should return around this target date. His initial prognosis according to reports, was around two months into the season.
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“He is. He’s going to be with us, I think, for a few more days, and then he’s going to join Team Puerto Rico down there,” Roberts said.
“But from what I hear every day he’s progressed really well. I’ve seen him running around and doing some movements. But yeah, I don’t know what his progression is with the hitting, but from what I’ve heard, it’s getting better each day.”