[MyDaily = Shim Hye-jin] LA Dodgers outfielder Kiké Hernández is making steady progress in his return from injury, and he even recorded a hit in his first rehab game.
Kiké, playing for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate the Oklahoma Comets, started at third base and batted second on the 6th (Korean time) at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City in the 2026 minor-league game against the Salt Lake Bees (the Angels’ Triple-A club). He finished 1-for-3 with a run scored.
He popped out to first in his first plate appearance, but in the fifth inning — with no outs and a runner on first and trailing in the count — he turned on a low slider on the third pitch and drilled a double into the right-center gap.
He was sharp on defense, too. On a surprise bunt attempt, he bare-handed the ball and uncorked a running throw to first to record the out.
Hernández underwent surgery on his left elbow after last season. He had been playing through pain since May, which was later revealed to be a muscle tear.
“I kept playing because I wanted to help win back-to-back World Series,” he said, adding that his condition worsened during the postseason.
After a long rehab, he’s finally back in game action — a welcome boost for the Dodgers.
Los Angeles’ offense has been in a slump since late April. They once again failed to provide run support for Shohei Ohtani and managed just one run on the day.
In the ninth inning, right-handed infielder Espinal pinch-hit but struck out swinging at a high pitch — a three-pitch punchout.
With Mookie Betts sidelined by injury and Teoscar Hernández stuck in a slump, the return of veteran Kiké should be a significant lift. On the flip side, Hyeseong Kim could be on thin ice; Kiké’s return raises the possibility that Kim could be optioned to the minors.
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