The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be getting healthy. Utility man Enrique Hernandez starts a rehab assignment today at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He will be playing third base, according to Alex Freedman , Director of Communications of the Dodgers minor-league affiliate. He could be activated from the Injured List in about three weeks. This news comes on the heels of right-handed reliever Brock Stewart joining the club in Houston.
Couple of longtime #Dodgers in the house today in OKC. Kiké Hernández begins a rehab assignment. Will bat second and play 3B.
On the other side, Chris Taylor is here with Salt Lake.
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) May 5, 2026
A Long Road Back
The Dodgers signed Hernandez to a deal in Spring Training knowing he would not be available until late-May. The fan-favorite had off-season surgery to repair his elbow. The infielder/outfielder has played every position on the diamond, save catcher, gives Los Angeles the ability to adapt in ways that aren’t available to most teams.The injury Hernandez sustained happened nearly a year ago in Cleveland, when he slid awkwardly into a base. He was able to play with the injury until season’s end. However, it did appear that it did affect him offensively. Hernandez numbers were down from where they normally are in October. Thankfully, it didn’t affect his defense that much, as he made a World Series saving-play for the Dodgers in Game six.
The West Coast Version Of “Mr. October”
A normal regular season for Hernandez usually consists of a batting average of .240. with double-digit home runs. In 2025, however, the average barely got above .200 and there was little to no bump in the average when the calendar turned to October. Historically, that hasn’t been the case. The veteran plays better when the lights are brighter. Hernandez’ average bumps up to over .300 and the Hernandez trails Babe Ruth for most postseason home runs by a right-handed bat.
Kiké Hernandez is a DEMON in October! pic.twitter.com/LAYVZVWEhE
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 17, 2024
As if that wasn’t enough good news, Mookie Betts should be back in the big leagues soon, along with Blake Snell. Needless to say, the Dodgers know it’s easier to win once you are healthy.
(Top Image Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
