Kiké Hernández’s postseason heroics have long made him a beloved figure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but his latest revelation adds a new layer to his 2025 story. The Dodgers utilityman announced on Instagram that he underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn muscle in his elbow — an injury he says he suffered in May and played through for the remainder of the season. According to Hernández, the damage eventually escalated to the point where “the tendon detached from the bone,” requiring an immediate procedure.
The injury was to his non-throwing arm, which may aid recovery, but the timing means Hernández will not be able to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic — a significant personal blow for a player who has long cherished the opportunity.
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Hernández’s production cratered in 2025, and the newly revealed timeline provides crucial context. After sustaining the injury in May, he hit just .169 with a 29.5% strikeout rate over his final 129 regular-season plate appearances. He also missed most of July and August while managing the issue.
Despite the struggles, the veteran remained a trusted piece for Dave Roberts in October. Hernández started every postseason game, hitting .250 with a pivotal home run in Game 5 of the World Series — his third championship ring following titles in 2020 and 2024.
A Career Built on Versatility and Moments
Even in a diminished state, Hernández offered trademark flexibility, making starts at first, second, third, the outfield, and even logging 5 1/3 emergency innings on the mound. His OPS once again showed pronounced splits — more than 100 points higher against left-handers — underscoring his continued value as a lefty masher.
Across 12 seasons, including 920 games with the Dodgers, Hernández has become intertwined with the franchise’s identity. His energy, playoff track record, and leadership often outweigh his stat line.
What Comes Next for Hernández — and for LA?
The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal last offseason. While the Dodgers are expected to return much of their back-to-back championship core, there remain soft spots at second base and in the corner outfield — roles Hernández has filled seamlessly for years.
Whether the Dodgers bring him back may hinge on his rehab timeline, but one thing is clear: he played through far more than anyone realized. And in Los Angeles, that grit only strengthens the bond between Kiké Hernández and the fan base that never stopped believing in him.