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The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated utility man Kiké Hernandez from the 60-day injured list ahead of their game against the Colorado Rockies on Monday.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers designated infielder Santiago Espinal for assignment.
Hernandez has been on the injured list all season after undergoing a procedure on his elbow during the offseason. He had a lengthy rehab stint in Triple-A, playing 12 games for the Oklahoma City Comets after making his first appearance May 5. He slashed .214/.298/.310 during that stretch, logging three RBIs and three extra-base hits.
The fan favorite made 93 appearances for the Dodgers last season, posting a similar slash line of .203/.255/.366 while hitting 10 home runs and driving in 35 runs. He had a solid postseason run through the Dodgers’ first few series, batting .306 with a .792 OPS through the NLCS.
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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
Why Did the Dodgers Choose to DFA Santiago Espinal?
The biggest conversation in Hernandez’s return was the Dodgers’ decision for the corresponding move. Both Espinal and infielder Hyeseong Kim survived Mookie Betts’ return from the injured list, but went straight back to the chopping block in the week or so leading up to Hernandez’s return.
The Dodgers place a lot of value in their players being able to play every day, and that likely made the difference in this decision.
Espinal has predominantly started third base this season, and with Hernandez off the injured list, he became their fourth-choice player for the position. Kim has played second base on a regular basis due to his left-handedness with the bat, and the odds Espinal stayed with the team over Miguel Rojas were slim to none.
The utility infielder hasn’t performed that well over the course of the season, posting just a .604 OPS through 26 games, and found himself as the odd man out.
Hernandez will play for the Dodgers in their series opener at home against the Colorado Rockies, and will look to get off to a good start as the Dodgers chase a three-peat. The first game of their series begins Monday at 6:10 p.m. PT.
Are you excited to see Kiké Hernandez back in action?
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