Dodgers Lose Key Depth Pieces as Injury Problems Continue

The injury bug continues to hit the defending champs hard.

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed utility veteran Enrique Hernández on the injured list after he suffered what manager Dave Roberts described as a “significant tear” in his oblique. Roberts admitted the injury could sideline Hernández for several weeks, if not months, in another frustrating setback for the versatile clubhouse leader.

Things got worse Wednesday night when left fielder Teoscar Hernández exited the Dodgers’ 4-1 win over the Colorado Rockies with a left hamstring strain after pulling up while running to first base in the second inning.

Enrique Hernández’s Tough Return Ends Quickly

Hernández had only just returned from offseason elbow surgery earlier this week before the oblique injury derailed his comeback almost immediately.

Despite tweaking the injury during batting practice on Monday, Hernández still delivered offensively, going 4-for-4 across two games with a home run and two doubles. However, the pain worsened significantly on Tuesday night, forcing him out of the lineup again.

“I feel pretty defeated right now,” Hernández admitted afterward.

Roberts later consoled the visibly emotional veteran in the dugout, understanding the frustration after months of rehab work ended in another IL stint.

The Dodgers now hope Hernández can recover in time to contribute later in the season and potentially return for another postseason run, where he has historically elevated his play.

Teoscar Hernández Injury Adds Another Offensive Blow

The loss of Teoscar could be equally damaging in the short term.

The veteran slugger entered Wednesday riding one of the hottest stretches on the roster, posting an OPS above 1.000 over his previous 18 games. Roberts said early testing on the hamstring strain came back encouraging, but acknowledged the outfielder will still miss multiple weeks at minimum.

“Disappointing,” Roberts said. “He’s been playing so well and he’s a big part of what we’re doing.”

The Dodgers have not yet finalized a corresponding roster move for Teoscar, but several internal options could receive expanded opportunities.

Dodgers Leaning on Young Talent Again

The Dodgers already recalled infield prospect Alex Freeland to replace Hernández on the roster, and he immediately stepped into the starting lineup at second base.

Freeland impressed defensively Wednesday, making a diving play at first base that even earned acknowledgment from Shohei Ohtani during Ohtani’s pitching outing.

Meanwhile, players like Hyeseong Kim, Alex Call and potentially Ryan Ward could all see increased playing time while the Dodgers attempt to weather another injury storm.

Even with the setbacks, Los Angeles completed a sweep of Colorado and continues to showcase the organizational depth that has helped keep them among baseball’s elite teams despite constant roster shuffling.

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