Kiké Hernández did something on Tuesday that the 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers have struggled to do consistently: he hit the baseball. In his first game action since the 2025 World Series, the versatile infielder/outfielder made his season debut with the Oklahoma City Comets, the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, going 1-for-3 with a double. It's a promising sign for a team that has been searching for offensive consistency early in the season.
Hernández is recovering from offseason left elbow surgery, which landed him on the 60-day injured list to start the year. But if his rehab assignment is any indication, he's ahead of schedule. "Feeling great, man. We're really ahead of schedule, which is a good thing," Hernández said recently. He's eligible to return on May 24, but he's targeting May 25 for his activation—preferring a home debut over a road game in Milwaukee. That kind of confidence and clarity is exactly what the Dodgers need as they navigate a crowded infield and outfield picture.
The 33-year-old isn't alone in Oklahoma City. He's sharing the rehab assignment with reliever Brusdar Graterol, who hasn't pitched in an MLB game since the 2024 World Series. And left-handed starter Blake Snell is traveling with the Comets, expected to make at least one start before rejoining the big league club later this month. It's a mini-reunion of key pieces the Dodgers hope will fortify their roster for a long season.
What makes Hernández's recovery stand out is how smooth it's been compared to others. While switch-hitter Tommy Edman has faced frustrating setbacks in his own comeback, Hernández has avoided those pitfalls entirely. His steady progress from spring training through now has been a quiet win for the Dodgers' medical and training staff.
Of course, one rehab at-bat doesn't guarantee a return to form. Hernández struggled at the plate in 2025, and the Dodgers need him to rediscover the clutch hitting that made him a fan favorite during their championship runs. But if Tuesday's double is a preview of what's to come, Los Angeles might finally have the offensive spark it's been missing. For a team that's been searching for consistency, a healthy and productive Kiké Hernández could be the fix they've been waiting for.