Kiké Hernandez Marks Return With Stellar Performance

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Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez made his season debut Monday, and started his 2026 campaign with a bang.

The veteran had been sidelined all season as he recovered from an offseason elbow surgery, and finally re-entered the starting lineup against the Colorado Rockies on Monday. He drove in the Dodgers’ first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning with an RBI double down the left field line, and recorded a hit in both of his at-bats on the night.

“He looked good,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I felt tonight was good to have him in the game, get him a start. I thought he was going to bring some energy, just obviously having (not) played for a while. He did bring that, got a big (RBI double) for us, got another infield hit. It was good to have him back.”

Hernandez filled in at third for Max Muncy, who has missed the last three games after getting hit in the right wrist by a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Muncy isn’t likely to go on the injured list, and was seen playing catch on the field before Monday’s game.

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May 25, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) hits a RBI double in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

How Has Kiké Hernandez Performed as a Dodger?​

Throughout his 10 seasons as a Dodger, Hernandez has consistently provided decent offense throughout his tenure in Los Angeles.

He has hit 95 homers and driven in 321 runs with the Dodgers, posting a .237/.302/.412 slash line throughout 921 games played. He made 92 appearances for the Dodgers in 2025, posting a .621 OPS with 10 homers and 35 RBIs.

The Dodgers have relied on Hernandez to play every position on the diamond except for catcher throughout his lengthy stints with the team.

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Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) and shortstop Mookie Betts (50) with their World Series rings during a ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Will Kiké Hernandez Remain in the Starting Lineup?​

While Hernandez had a solid night at the plate Monday, the Dodgers will most likely relegate him to a utility role when Muncy makes his return to the lineup.

The Dodgers are still yet to announce when that will be, though, so Hernandez has the opportunity to make a splash and earn himself more playing time if he continues to produce with the bat.

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