Enrique Hernandez has elbow surgery, misses WBC post-Dodgers run

Veteran utility player Enrique Hernández just can’t seem to catch a break, can he? He’s once again pushing through, showing that same stubborn resilience that’s kept his career alive for so long.

This time, after grinding through elbow pain all season, the two-time World Series champ had surgery on his left elbow last Friday. Sure, his grit helped the Los Angeles Dodgers snag back-to-back titles, but now he’ll have to miss the chance to represent Puerto Rico in the next World Baseball Classic.

At 34, Hernández is staring down free agency while he works on recovering and figuring out what’s next.

Enrique Hernández’s Surgery and Recovery

Hernández has dealt with this elbow issue since May, and it forced him onto the injured list for a big chunk of the season. Even so, he got back on the field in August and chipped in when it mattered most.

He finally opted for surgery after months of just gutting it out through the Dodgers’ championship run. Sometimes, enough is enough.

A Season Marked by Determination

The 2025 season really tested Hernández. The injury sidelined him for over a month, and when he came back, you could tell he wasn’t at full strength.

He ended up with a .203 batting average, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs over 92 games. But come postseason? He bumped that average up to .250, added a homer, and drove in seven runs. It’s not flashy, but it was clutch when Los Angeles needed it most.

Impact on the World Baseball Classic

Honestly, missing out on the World Baseball Classic has to sting. Hernández has always loved playing for Puerto Rico, and fans were looking forward to seeing him suit up for his heritage again.

Puerto Rico’s Loss

Pouerto Rico’s lineup just won’t be the same without Hernández’s flexibility. He covers so many positions and brings that playoff edge — not something you find every day.

For now, though, his recovery keeps all that on hold.

Hernández’s Career Resilience

At this point, Hernández is known as a gritty, all-in kind of teammate. He’s filled every role you can imagine: infield, outfield, bench bat, you name it.

Pushing through pain in 2025 just fits with the rest of his career — he’s lasted in Major League Baseball for over a decade by being adaptable and tough.

Key Career Highlights

• Helping the Dodgers capture two consecutive World Series titles.
• Delivering clutch hits in postseason play, especially under pressure.
• Demonstrating unmatched versatility in fielding positions.
• Representing Puerto Rico in past international tournaments.

Looking Ahead to Free Agency

Now that surgery’s done, Hernández is shifting focus to rehab as free agency looms. Teams that want a proven utility guy with a championship resume might still give him a look, as long as he heals up well enough.

It’s true, elbow surgery isn’t ideal at this point in his career, but if anyone can grind through, it’s probably him.

Potential Landing Spots

There’s always a market for utility players who know how to win. Clubs love veterans who bring leadership, defensive options, and that little bit of postseason magic.

How quickly he gets back on the field will definitely shape who’s interested — contenders, rebuilders, or maybe a surprise team. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Final Thoughts

Enrique Hernández just hit another rough patch, and honestly, his career seems like a never-ending test of grit. He won’t get to suit up for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic this time.

Still, maybe the time off will help him bounce back for another shot in MLB. Fans and teams keep watching his journey because, well, his dedication to baseball goes way beyond stats.

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Here is the source article for this story: Hernandez has surgery after Dodgers’ title run