With six weeks left in the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are clinging to a narrow NL West lead over the surging San Diego Padres. Depth has been tested all summer by injuries, but help is finally on the way.
As Sonja Chen of MLB.com reported, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Kiké Hernández, and Hyeseong Kim are all beginning rehab assignments with Triple-A Oklahoma City this week. All four are expected back before rosters expand in September — a timeline that could prove pivotal as the Dodgers navigate the stretch run.
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The Dodgers’ bullpen has been inconsistent since the All-Star break, but reinforcements may arrive as soon as this weekend in San Diego. Both Yates (lower back pain) and Scott (left elbow inflammation) worked scoreless innings for the Oklahoma City Comets on Tuesday.
“Kirby and Tanner were both good,” Dave Roberts told reporters, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group. “Not sure if they’re going to do another one. Probably not. So then it’s kind of trying to figure out when they would join us.”
Scott struck out two in his inning of work, while Yates fanned one and showed improved feel for his splitter — the pitch that once made him one of the league’s premier late-inning arms. Their potential return as early as this weekend would give Roberts more high-leverage options alongside Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia.
Hernández Nearing a September Return
Kiké Hernández has been sidelined since mid-July with left elbow inflammation, an injury that traces back to a May slide into home plate against the Guardians. He initially tried to grind through the discomfort, but it sapped both his swing and his consistency.
According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Hernández recently resumed batting practice, a major step in his recovery. Roberts later confirmed that the veteran is “pain-free” and targeting a return around September 1.
“Played catch, and he’s coming,” Roberts said. “He’s doing baseball activities now. Still think that it’s kind of a September 1 situation… that’s kind of what we’re hoping for.”
Hernández’s defensive versatility and October track record (.808 OPS in last year’s postseason) give the Dodgers a proven playoff piece. Even if his bat remains streaky, his ability to cover multiple spots across the infield and outfield could be invaluable.
Kim Ramping Up After Strong Rookie Start
Rookie Hyeseong Kim has quietly been one of the Dodgers’ most reliable contributors in 2025. Before landing on the IL with left shoulder bursitis in late July, Kim hit .304 across 58 games while appearing at second, third, and center field.
Roberts said Kim is scheduled to take live batting practice later this week before heading out on a rehab assignment. “Yes, he’ll need a rehab,” Roberts noted. “Hopefully the following week, he’ll go out on a rehab.”
Kim’s versatility is as important as his bat. With Max Muncy and Tommy Edman still sidelined, the Dodgers’ infield depth has been stretched thin. A healthy Kim could immediately slot into everyday reps, while offering Roberts the lineup flexibility he craves.
The Stretch Run
Since July 4, the Dodgers have gone just 14–21, watching an eight-game cushion evaporate. While they briefly retook the division lead against San Diego last weekend, they remain under pressure.
Getting Hernández and Kim back to stabilize the infield — along with Scott and Yates to strengthen the bullpen — could prove the difference in whether Los Angeles enters October as NL West champions or a Wild Card hopeful.
For now, the focus is simple: survive the week in Colorado, get healthy, and prepare for another head-to-head showdown with the Padres at Petco Park.