Kiké Hernández to Miss World Baseball Classic; Dodgers Injury Update

Kiké Hernández, one of MLB’s most versatile veterans, just had surgery to repair a torn elbow extension muscle he injured last May. Even with the pain, Hernández pushed through during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship run, which eventually led to a bone fracture in his left arm.

Now, recovery is all he’s thinking about. Hernández confirmed he won’t play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, dashing hopes for another run with Team Puerto Rico. That news hit not just Dodgers fans, but baseball followers everywhere—Hernández has made a real impact for both club and country over the years.

Hernández’s Injury and Surgery Details

The surgery fixed a torn muscle in Hernández’s left elbow—he first felt it during the early summer of the 2023 season. He kept playing through the discomfort, showing his commitment, but it made things worse. Eventually, the injury turned into a bone break.

Impact on World Baseball Classic Participation

On social media, Hernández shared his diagnosis and posted a photo of himself in a sling. That pretty much closed the door on his 2024 World Baseball Classic dreams. Team Puerto Rico will definitely miss him; he’s been a key part of their WBC squads, especially in 2017 and 2023.

Performance in the 2023 Season

Hernández’s 2023 stats showed just how tough things were at the plate while he played hurt. He finished the year hitting:

• .203 batting average
• 10 home runs
• 35 RBIs
• .621 OPS

He put up those numbers over 92 games for the Dodgers. Still, his value wasn’t just in the box score. Hernández’s defense, especially his clutch plays in Game 6 against the Toronto Blue Jays, helped push the Dodgers into a must-win Game 7.

Los Angeles won that game in extra innings, clinching their second straight World Series title.

Defensive Heroics and Championship Impact

That Game 6 really showed off Hernández’s versatility. He snagged line drives, fired off pinpoint throws—his glove work stalled the Blue Jays’ offense at just the right moments. You can see why he’s known as a player who thrives under pressure. Over more than a decade in the majors, that’s become his identity.

A Career Defined by Utility and Resilience

Across 12 seasons, Hernández has earned a reputation as one of the game’s top utility guys. He’s split time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, and Boston Red Sox, picking up:

• .236 career batting average
• 130 home runs
• 470 RBIs

He can play almost anywhere—any infield or outfield spot. That flexibility makes him a manager’s dream when it comes to lineup options. Plus, his upbeat energy in the clubhouse keeps him popular, even when the bat goes cold.

International Legacy with Puerto Rico

Getting to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic means a lot to Hernández. He’s talked about how proud he feels wearing his country’s colors on the world stage. Missing out in 2024 stings—a lot, in his own words—but right now, he knows he has to focus on getting healthy.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Prospects

As a free agent heading into the new season, Hernández faces an uncertain recovery timeline. Now that his surgery’s done, the next few months will be all about rehab and working to get his arm strength back.

Teams eyeing him will definitely keep tabs on his progress. They’ll have to balance his strong defensive track record and playoff moments with the reality of his recent injury.

At 34, Hernández is in the later part of his career, but honestly, his resilience stands out. If he gets healthy, he might still have something to offer.

Maybe he returns to the Dodgers. Maybe he finds a new team, or keeps building his legacy in Puerto Rican baseball with future WBC tournaments. Who knows? His mix of grit, versatility, and that championship experience—those things matter as long as he wants to play.

 
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