UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have just activated Enrique Hernandez from the injured list, marking a significant step towards restoring their roster health. Hernandez, who has been sidelined since July 6 due to left elbow inflammation, is set to make an immediate impact as the Dodgers face the Cincinnati Reds in a crucial series.
Hernandez, 34, had a strong rehabilitation stint, hitting .357 with two doubles and three RBIs over five games with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He will start in the upcoming games against the Reds, although manager Dave Roberts has yet to confirm his exact position.
The Dodgers are currently engaged in a tight race with the San Diego Padres in the NL West, having lost two out of three games against them over the weekend. As of now, the teams are tied for first place, making every game critical.
“We’re getting healthier,” said Roberts. “I do appreciate the guys that have been here, kind of grinding through ’til we get whole, but it’s nice looking on the horizon and seeing the guys that we got coming.” This statement reflects the team’s urgency to regain its full strength amidst a competitive landscape.
Key players still out include third baseman Max Muncy, infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman, infielder Hyeseong Kim, and relievers Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Brock Stewart. Muncy is expected to return next week during the team’s East Coast trip, while pitcher Blake Snell will rejoin the lineup for his scheduled start this Friday against Arizona after paternity leave. Roberts confirmed that Snell’s wife has given birth to their second child and that both are healthy.
In a corresponding roster move, infielder Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment after struggling with just one hit in 17 at-bats across seven games for the Dodgers. The team had acquired him shortly after his designation by Toronto.
As the Dodgers gear up for their next crucial match against the Reds, fans are eager to see how Hernandez’s return will shape the team’s performance in the weeks ahead. With the playoffs on the horizon, every player counts, and the Dodgers are poised to make a strong push for the postseason. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
