There's a lot of movement happening in the Dodgers' farm system, and it's all about getting some key players back on the field. Kiké Hernández is the latest big name to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, marking a major step in his return from left elbow surgery in November. On Tuesday night, Hernández started at third base and batted second against the Salt Lake Bees, an Angels affiliate.
This is a significant milestone for the versatile utility man. During the broadcast of Tuesday's game, Oklahoma City Comets play-by-play announcer Alex Freedman shared that Hernández mentioned during batting practice that this is the first time he's felt fully healthy in about a year. That's a huge statement, considering he also missed 40 games last July and August due to left elbow inflammation.
Hernández has been on the 60-day injured list since February, so this rehab assignment won't be a quick one. The earliest he could rejoin the Dodgers is May 24, giving him plenty of time to get his timing and strength back. His journey back is part of a larger wave of Dodgers players working their way through Oklahoma City.
In fact, Hernández is the fourth Dodger to suit up for the Comets since Saturday alone. Blake Snell threw four innings in Round Rock on Sunday and is expected to make one more rehab start this coming Saturday, though the location is still to be determined. Brock Stewart just wrapped up a three-week rehab stint split between Ontario and Oklahoma City and is now back with the Dodgers in Houston, though he hasn't been activated off the injured list yet. Brusdar Graterol made his first appearance in 549 days on Saturday and is projected to have a long rehab assignment as he returns from November 2024 shoulder surgery.
Tommy Edman, who underwent right ankle surgery in November, is a bit further behind on the rehab calendar. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters in Houston on Monday that Edman has been experiencing some soreness in his ankle, so the team has slowed down his rehab program—which has been cautious from the start. And Mookie Betts could be the next star to head out on a rehab assignment as he works his way back from an oblique strain. According to Roberts, Betts is "working on his bat speed" and feeling good, with a simulated game or live batting practice scheduled for Thursday. It's only a matter of time before he's back in action, too.