Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kike Hernandez has left Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies early with an injury.
Hernandez has been hitting the ball great since coming back, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, and an RBI.
However, after running to second base on a double, Hernandez appeared to sustain an injury, prompting him to leave the game so Hyeseong Kim could enter. The Dodgers have announced that it is an oblique injury.
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Dave Robert was seen talking to Hernandez in the dugout before the player went back to the locker room.
May 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
He spent months recovering from elbow surgery that took him out of action since the end of the 2025 season. Hernandez missed the World Baseball Classic to rehabilitate the injury.
“‘This was the worst injury I’ve ever seen of this kind, and I don’t know how you played,’” Hernández‘s surgeon said about the injury.
Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, has preached how valuable Hernandez is to the team, making it clear that he is always welcome.
“We’ll never shut the door on Kiké,” Friedman said before Hernandez signed this offseason. “The value he provides on the field with his versatility, the value he provides in the clubhouse. He’s got to do what’s best, but we’ll see how that plays out.”
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However, upon returning to action, the fan-favorite is likely headed for an injured list appearance, and the Dodgers will have to do without their energetic do-it-all player.
How long could Hernandez be out?
Hernandez does not need to look far to see how tricky an oblique injury can be. Mookie Betts missed five weeks of action, taking things slowly so he does not aggravate it.
Even though he felt fine at rest, the team was careful not to stress the oblique and risk re-aggravation.
Hernandez will need to be just as careful, making sure that he does not rush himself back or push his body too much, too soon.
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Unless the injury is found to be less severe than Betts’, he will likely need a handful of weeks on the injured list to nurse himself back to health.