Dodgers Anticipate Kiké Hernández’s Return Ahead of Rockies Series

Utilityman Kiké Hernández is expected to be activated for the Dodgers’ home series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Monday. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Sunday that Hernández, who had left-elbow surgery in November, should be cleared. The move coincides with third baseman Max Muncy’s wrist injury recovery.

Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Expected to Make Season Debut MondayESPN

Hernández signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal in February, staying with Los Angeles. The left-elbow operation delayed his 2026 season start and barred him from the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Nicknamed “Mr. October,” he helped win three Dodgers World Series titles, posting a .272 postseason OPS of .826 with 16 homers and 42 RBIs in 103 games.

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Hernández’s 12-game rehab stint with Oklahoma City yielded a .214 average, .298 on-base percentage and three RBIs. In the season he posted a .203/.255/.366 line, .621 OPS, 10 homers and 35 RBIs over 92 games per one source; another source lists 93 games. Max Muncy, batting .258/.363/.515 with 12 homers and 19 RBIs in 48 games, was hit on the right wrist by a 95.5 mph sinker; X-rays were negative.

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Roberts highlighted Hernández’s “levity” and “intensity,” calling him a “good worker” and a “winning player” who adds an edge. On Muncy, Roberts said the team resolved not to have him available over the weekend and expects his wrist to improve, but does not anticipate Muncy in Monday’s lineup. The remarks frame Hernández’s return as a timely boost while Muncy’s health remains under review.

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The two reports differ on Hernández’s regular-season games—one cites 92, the other 93—while RBI totals for the latter are omitted. Neither source includes a direct comment from Hernández, nor a timeline for his clearance beyond Monday. Details on his defensive assignments and long-term plans for Muncy’s return are also absent.

Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Expected to Make Season Debut Monday

• "There's a different energy with Kiké," — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

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• "There's a levity. There's an intensity. There's a good worker in there, a winning player. So I'm looking forward to having that edge." — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

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• "We were resolved to not having him available this weekend." — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

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• "My expectation is that he's getting a little bit better today and maybe swing a bat tomorrow to see. I don't expect him in the lineup tomorrow either." — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

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The Dodgers will start Monday’s home series with Hernández in the lineup. Max Muncy’s wrist will be monitored, and Roberts indicated a possible return later in the week if his condition improves.

Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Expected to Make Season Debut Monday