Here’s the latest on Kiké Hernández and why he isn’t playing.
- The Dodgers placed Kiké Hernández on the injured list earlier in the season due to inflammation in his left elbow, and he has since undergone multiple procedures and rehab efforts without a clear return timeline. This has kept him out of the lineup for an extended stretch.[1][5]
- Updates in August 2025 indicated the elbow issue was more stubborn than initially expected, with non-surgical efforts and a series of rehab steps continuing as the team monitored his progress; no definitive return date was provided at that time.[5][1]
- Later reports suggested the team remained hopeful for a return within the season, but the injury recovery remained uncertain and could stretch into September, depending on how the elbow responded to treatment.[3][5]
Illustrative context: Hernandez has been a versatile asset for Los Angeles, but elbow inflammation and subsequent rehab have effectively sidelined him for a substantial portion of the year, with the team expressing cautious optimism about a comeback rather than a firm timetable.[1][5]
If you’d like, I can pull more up-to-date sources from multiple outlets or summarize the latest official Dodgers injury updates for you.
Sources
The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the 2025 NL Wild Card Series with a 10-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, but the spotlight quickly shifted
www.lafbnetwork.comLos Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez has undergone multiple procedures to try to get back this season.
dodgersnation.comKiké Hernandez receives a terrible update from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts amid his battle with an elbow injury.
clutchpoints.comAlthough the Dodgers exited Tuesday night's game with a 10-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the Wild Card, it was not without a few bumps and bruises
www.si.comIt was a good weekend for Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the San Diego Padres. Although Kike Hernandez, one of the fans' favorite utility players, is not active in his rehabilitati
www.marca.comDodgers utility player, Kike Hernandez has traveled with his fellow teammates as a part of the 31-man roster to Japan for the upcoming two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs.
www.sportskeeda.comKike Hernandez has been on the IL since July, and Dave Roberts has shared the latest news on the slugger and his possible return.
www.totalprosports.comLos Angeles Dodgers fan favorite Enrique Hernandez is a free agent this winter, though he recently underwent surgery, which could have an impact on his future.
www.si.com