Free-Agent Enrique Hernandez Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Misses WBC

Veteran utility man Enrique Hernández, now a free agent after his latest Dodgers run, just announced he had surgery on his left elbow. He’d been fighting pain for most of the 2023 season, and now the injury will keep him from representing Puerto Rico at next spring’s World Baseball Classic.

This ends his hopes for what would’ve been a third appearance in that tournament. There’s no clear timetable for his return, so Hernández’s MLB future feels a bit up in the air—though maybe a Dodgers reunion isn’t off the table.

Elbow Surgery Ends World Baseball Classic Dreams

On Instagram, Hernández said the elbow trouble actually started back in May. He played through mounting discomfort, but things got worse and he ended up with a bone fracture.

Surgery has now sidelined the 34-year-old from the World Baseball Classic, which stings given his deep ties to Puerto Rico’s team and his past tournament success.

A Chronic Battle During 2023

He kept playing through the pain, showing real commitment to his team. But by the end of 2023, the impact was obvious in his numbers.

He finished with a .203/.255/.366 slash line, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs over 92 games—well below what he’s used to.

Postseason Contributions Despite Struggles

The regular season was rough, but Hernández still played a big role in the Dodgers’ playoff run. In 17 postseason games, he drove in seven runs and chipped in positive Win Probability Added.

That knack for clutch October moments? It’s one of the reasons he’s built such a strong reputation.

A Dodgers Postseason Mainstay

During his years in LA, Hernández set the franchise record for most playoff appearances. His versatility and steady defense have made him a go-to guy when the games matter most.

Potential Dodgers Reunion

The Athletic reports both Hernández and the Dodgers are interested in a new deal. If it happens, 2024 would be his 10th year in Dodger blue—a pretty impressive run with one team these days.

Why Los Angeles Still Makes Sense

He can play almost anywhere, which is perfect for a team chasing a championship. Whether he’s plugging holes in the lineup or coming in late for defense, that kind of flexibility is rare.

Across 12 MLB seasons, he’s put up a .236/.305/.403 slash line and nearly 18 Wins Above Replacement with several clubs.

Looking Ahead: Rehabilitation and Uncertainty

Right now, the main thing is rehab. There’s no official timeline yet, and coming back from elbow surgery usually takes patience.

For someone who relies on his defensive range and arm, full recovery is absolutely crucial.

Legacy and Resilience

No matter how soon he returns, Hernández’s career shows just how much adaptability and grit matter. He’s handled big postseason moments, taken on all kinds of roles, and represented Puerto Rico on baseball’s biggest international stage.

Key Takeaways

As Hernández faces an uncertain offseason, a few important things stand out:

• He had surgery on his left elbow after an injury that’s bothered him since May 2023.
• This keeps him out of the 2024 World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico.
• Even with some struggles, Hernández still helped during the Dodgers’ postseason run.
• Both he and the Dodgers seem interested in a possible reunion, which would make it his 10th season with them.
• Over 12 seasons, he’s put up a .236/.305/.403 slash line and nearly 18 WAR.

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Here is the source article for this story: Enrique Hernández injury: Free agent will miss WBC following elbow surgery