Dodgers' Dave Roberts Announces Disappointing Kiké Hernandez News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 8:30 PM ET

Veteran outfielder Kiké Hernandez is in his 12th MLB season and ninth with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 33-year-old made his debut for the Houston Astros in 2014 before joining L.A. a year later after a brief stint with the Miami Marlins.

Hernandez established himself as a reliable outfield option early on with the Dodgers. Now, as he exits his prime, he has added multiple infield positions, boosting his versatility.

Hernandez’s postseason value is well-known: he has a .278 batting average with 64 hits, 15 homers, 35 RBIs and 37 runs scored in 86 career playoff games. He’s also won two World Series titles with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024.

In early July, Hernandez was placed on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. He eventually underwent an MRI, which confirmed the inflammation, and subsequently received a cortisone injection.

Though he was initially penciled in to return shortly after the All-Star break, Hernandez has only progressed to playing catch, with no firm timetable for his comeback. When asked if his return was taking longer than expected, manager Dave Roberts replied, “Absolutely. Yes.”

Kiké Hernández has been playing catch, but there's no timeline for his return. Dave Roberts said he was in a "holding pattern."

Is it lasting longer than expected?

"Absolutely. Yes."
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 19, 2025

Over 71 games this year, Hernandez has struggled, batting .195 with a .626 OPS and eight home runs.

The Dodgers are locked in a tight NL West race as they aim to secure a postseason berth and chase back-to-back championships. When Hernandez returns to the lineup, he will look to rediscover his offensive form and solidify his spot on the postseason roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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