Full Breakdown
Kiké Hernández sidelined with significant left oblique tear
5/28/2026, 8:57:03 AM
Injury Overview
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on May 27, 2026 that utility player Kiké Hernández (Enrique Hernández) was placed on the 10-day injured list after an MRI confirmed a “significant tear” in his left oblique. Roberts said the injury “certainly warrants an IL stint,” but gave no firm return date.
Context and Recent Performance
Hernández missed the first two months of the season recovering from offseason elbow surgery. He was activated on May 20 and, in his first two games, went 4-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and two RBIs. The oblique strain began during batting practice on Monday, resurfaced after his third-inning home-run swing on Tuesday, and forced his removal in the fifth inning.
Key Personnel
The Dodgers’ roster moves involve manager Dave Roberts, recalled infielder Alex Freeland, second baseman Hyeseong Kim, and second baseman Tommy Edman on a rehab assignment. Veteran outfielder Mookie Betts expressed sympathy for Hernández.
Chronology
- May 20 – Hernández activated; 4-for-4.
- May 21 – Oblique pain returns; removed in fifth inning.
- May 22 – MRI reveals significant tear.
- May 27 – Hernández placed on IL; Freeland promoted.
Numbers
Hernández’s line reads 4 hits, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, a .232 average and .282 on-base percentage since rejoining the Dodgers in 2023. Roberts projected a “six-to-eight-week” absence, while Hernández hoped for a “grade-1” strain lasting “two, three weeks.” Freeland’s recent Triple-A stats include a .265 average, 4 HR and 16 RBIs in 11 games.
Official Responses
Roberts emphasized timeline uncertainty, noting injury “certainly warrants an IL stint.” He praised Freeland’s recent performance, saying the infielder “earned the opportunity to get some looks consistently.” Club indicated Hyeseong Kim would see increased at-bats while Edman completes rehab.
Field Observations
Camera footage showed Roberts consoling a visibly shaken Hernández in dugout after Tuesday game. Hernández told reporters, “I feel pretty defeated right now,” reflecting his disappointment.
Discrepancies
Roberts’ six-to-eight-week estimate contrasts with Hernández’s hope for a two-to-three-week recovery, and no definitive medical timeline has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel pretty defeated right now,” — Kiké Hernández, Dodgers utility man
- “It's certainly warranting an IL stint,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “He understood how frustrated I was and he was trying to get me to keep my head up,” — Kiké Hernández
- “He’s not going to cry, so I’m not going to be a shoulder for him to cry on. But, I mean, it sucks. It sucks. We saw as soon as he came, he brought life to us.” — Dave Roberts
Future Outlook
Freeland will start at second base against Colorado Rockies while Dodgers monitor Hernández’s rehab. Tommy Edman is expected back in June, which could further reshape the infield. Team depth at second base remains a focal point as the regular season approaches its stretch run.
