Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended utility man Kike Hernandez for persevering through his injury and playing throughout the postseason.
Hernandez played in all 17 of the Dodgers’ games this postseason, but revealed after the Dodgers won the World Series he had been playing through an elbow injury. He underwent surgery during the offseason, and will miss the World Baseball Classic as well as the first two months of the regular season.
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The Dodgers moved him to the injured list Saturday, and filled his spot on the roster with outfielder Jack Suwinski, who they claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Some of these guys are just such good competitors that there’s always stuff that’s bothering,” Roberts said. “Whether it’s elbow, shoulder, and Kike, going to Kike, his elbow, then playing through the World Series, getting surgery, same thing with Stone, so these guys are special athletes.”
The Dodgers signed Hernandez to a one-year deal Feb. 12, giving him yet another season in blue after playing an important role in their World Series successes.
Sep 15, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) congratulates left fielder Kike Hernandez (14) after scoring in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
How Did Kiké Hernandez Perform during the Postseason?
Hernandez served as a key offensive contributor for the Dodgers during the first three series of the 2025 postseason, batting .306 and posting an OPS just shy of .800.
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The 34-year-old recorded multiple hits in both of the first two games of the playoffs, and had a hit in six of seven to start off the postseason.
He has consistently overachieved during the postseason throughout his career, and is the Dodgers’ all-time postseason appearance leader. Hernandez has a .826 postseason OPS during his career, well above his regular season OPS of .707.
After the Dodgers’ World Series win, Hernandez has become a three-time World Series winner, all three of which have come with the Dodgers. They will have him under control for at least one more season as they look to continue taking over as MLB’s next dynasty.
The Dodgers have the opportunity to make history in 2026, as they chase just the fifth team — and the third franchise — to complete a three-peat.
Are you excited for Kike Hernandez to make his return this season?