Dodgers' Hernández nearing return, could be activated by Monday
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The tides are turning for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It’s not that their season has been a disappointment; in fact, at 29-15 and in first place in the ever-competitive National League West, it has been a successful start to the title defense.
But injuries have impeded an even more dominant start. Whether it be Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, or Tommy Edman (to name just a few of the decimated contributors), perhaps the only need for this Dodgers team is health.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, outfielder Teoscar Hernández is nearing a return to the Big Leagues. Here is the latest via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Dave Roberts said that he expects Tommy Edman to be activated on Sunday. Teoscar Hernández will go on a rehab with Rancho and could be active by Monday.— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 16, 2025
Hernández has been absent from the lineup since exiting the May 5 game at the Miami Marlins with an abductor strain. The outfield depth is fine, with guys like Andy Pages and Hyeseong Kim getting more opportunities, but neither of them can provide Hernández’s services.
The 32-year-old Dominican Republic product joined the Dodgers in January of 2024 on a one-year, $23.5 million prove-it deal. And that he did. Hernández had one of his best seasons of his career, batting .272 with an .840 OPS and a 136 OPS+. He also raked 33 home runs and 99 RBIs, and chipped in 12 stolen bases.
Hernández was awarded the Silver Slugger and finished 19th in NL MVP voting. He also made his second All-Star Game appearance. That impact was enough to warrant a three-year, $66 million deal this January.
When Hernández does return, it will leave manager Dave Roberts with an uncomfortable decision. Does he end the James Outman experiment, which has left fans and the organization wanting more over the past four seasons? Or does Hernández bump Miguel Rojas, a Dodgers veteran, off the Major League roster? What happens to the struggling Michael Conforto?
Whatever happens, a healthy Hernández will make this fearsome lineup even more dangerous.
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