In the world of baseball, resilience often defines champions, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' utility man Kiké Hernandez exemplified this spirit during their latest postseason run. Despite battling an elbow injury, Hernandez played in all 17 of the Dodgers’ games, contributing significantly to their triumphant World Series campaign. His grit and determination did not go unnoticed by manager Dave Roberts, who praised Hernandez for his competitive nature and ability to push through physical challenges.
Following their World Series victory, it was revealed that Hernandez had been playing through considerable pain, leading to offseason surgery. This procedure will sideline him for the World Baseball Classic and the initial months of the regular season. In response, the Dodgers have placed him on the injured list, making room for outfielder Jack Suwinski, who joins the team from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Roberts highlighted the exceptional resilience of players like Hernandez, noting that top-tier athletes often contend with injuries but continue to perform at elite levels. Hernandez, who re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year deal, remains a crucial part of their lineup, having played an instrumental role in their World Series successes.
During the 2025 postseason, Hernandez was a standout performer, batting .306 with an OPS just under .800. His knack for delivering in clutch moments was evident as he recorded multiple hits in the early playoff games and maintained a strong presence throughout. Known for his postseason prowess, Hernandez boasts a career postseason OPS of .826, significantly outpacing his regular season numbers.
Now a three-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, Hernandez continues to be a cornerstone of their quest for dominance. As the Dodgers aim for a historic three-peat in 2026, Hernandez's return will be eagerly anticipated, as his experience and tenacity are invaluable to the team's ongoing pursuit of greatness.