""I played [until], basically, I felt like I couldn't even hold the bat anymore," Hernández said. "And I mean, it was kind of dumb on my end. But I've always felt that if I feel like I could play, I'm not going to go on the IL. By the time we went in for the MRI, it was a little too late.""
"The Puerto Rican native will not only miss the start of the MLB season but also the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Hernandez was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to the surgery and his recovery timeline. The 12-year MLB veteran did what he could for a stacked Dodgers team in the postseason. In 17 games, Hernandez slashed .250/.290/.359 with a .649 OPS, the second lowest of his career."
Kiké Hernández gave a noncommittal shrug when asked about returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers before spring training. A deal has not been finalized, but expectations are that he will re-sign with the Dodgers for the 2026 season. Hernández underwent left elbow surgery in November 2025 to repair a completely torn extensor tendon and is recovering. The recovery will sideline him from the start of the season and force him to withdraw from the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with a projected return in May. In 17 postseason games, he slashed .250/.290/.359 with a .649 OPS and contributed 16 hits, nine runs and seven RBIs. Hernández remains valued for versatility, clubhouse leadership, and his role as a utility player.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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