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Kike Hernandez Reveals Date He’ll Return to Dodgers Lineup
TL;DR
Kike Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers is on track to return from elbow surgery next month, ahead of schedule. He emphasized the importance of a cautious recovery to ensure a successful comeback.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) speaks to the media during media day and team workouts at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers fan-favorite Kike Hernandez is progressing in his return from elbow surgery, and he said he expects to be back as soon as next month.
Hernandez, speaking with Ralphie Aversa of USA Today Sports, said his elbow recovery is “pretty ahead of schedule right now.”
“It’s looking like we’re on track for being activated as soon as the 60-day IL ends,” he said. “And we can say that it’s probably the best-case scenario. You know, it was a pretty complicated surgery and the only thing that could go wrong was to come back too early, but you know, it’s feeling great and we’re taking our precautionary steps to making sure that once I’m back, I’m back for good.”
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) speaks to the media during media day and team workouts at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Where Does Kike Hernandez Stand in His Recovery?
Hernandez had great news for fans regarding his return to play, saying he’s “doing pretty much everything except for facing live pitching yet.”
“That’s pretty much the last step. I’m swinging four times a week right now with bats on a bat speed program,” he said. “And once we clear that in the next two weeks, I think I’m going to start facing pitching and hopefully I can go on a rehab assignment at the beginning of May.”
So when will Hernandez be back on the field in Dodger Blue?
“The earliest I can come back is May 24th, but that is a day game in Milwaukee. I’m pretty sure they’re not going to want me to fly to Milwaukee for one game, so I think we’re going to be back on the roster on May 25th, which is a Monday in LA against the Rockies,” he said.
Why Did Kike Hernandez Need Surgery?
Hernandez had elbow surgery over the offseason after playing through the pain in the race for the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Championships.
While Hernandez admittedly had to overcome some struggles, he said all of the players in the Fall Classic are typically hurting in some way.
“If we’re being honest, in October, there’s not a single person that’s 100%. We’ve played for seven and a half months and we’re human; our bodies get tired. The traveling is really tough on the bodies. You’re trying to win a World Series.”
That said, there was one Dodger who’s performance shocked even his teammates.
“I don’t think what I did has anything on what Yamamoto did pitching on back-to-back days,” he said. “That was superhuman stuff right there.”
Q&A
When is Kike Hernandez expected to return to the Dodgers lineup?
Kike Hernandez expects to return to the Dodgers lineup as soon as next month, coinciding with the end of his 60-day injured list.
What type of surgery did Kike Hernandez undergo?
Kike Hernandez underwent elbow surgery, which he described as complicated but is recovering well from.
How is Kike Hernandez's recovery progressing after surgery?
Kike Hernandez's recovery is progressing well, as he stated he is ahead of schedule and feels great about his rehabilitation.
