The Los Angeles Dodgers received an encouraging update on veteran utility player Kiké Hernández, as the team announced last week that he has resumed baseball activities while continuing to recover from his left oblique injury.

Although Hernández remains in the early stages of his rehabilitation, the latest developments suggest his return could come sooner than originally anticipated.

Hernández suffered what the Dodgers described as a significant tear of his left oblique on May 26, just his second game back after returning from a lengthy season-opening stay on the Injured List following offseason left elbow surgery.

It marked another frustrating setback for one of the team’s most versatile players. Despite landing on the IL for a second time this season, Hernández has remained involved with the team and has gradually increased his baseball activities as part of his recovery.

According to Dodgers insider Katie Woo from The Athletic, Hernández is now progressing ahead of schedule.

Woo reported that the Dodgers are cautiously optimistic Hernández will miss closer to the minimum projected recovery timeline of eight weeks rather than the longer 12-week estimate initially associated with the injury.

“Kiké Hernández (oblique strain) is trending ahead of schedule, and the team is cautiously optimistic he’ll miss closer to the minimum of eight weeks projected than the 12,” Woo wrote.

While manager Dave Roberts recently confirmed Hernández will not return before the All-Star break, the latest update is still extremely encouraging for Los Angeles.

If Hernández continues progressing without setbacks, the eight-week timeline would place his return sometime in late July, creating the possibility that he could rejoin the active roster before the MLB trade deadline.

The Dodgers have little reason to accelerate the process.

With their sights firmly set on winning a third consecutive World Series, the organization wants to ensure Hernández is completely healthy before bringing him back into the lineup.

His experience and versatility become especially valuable during the postseason, where he has consistently delivered important performances throughout his career.

Before suffering the oblique injury, Hernández had made the most of his brief opportunity after returning from left elbow surgery.

In just two games this season, the veteran went 4-for-4 with one home run and two RBIs, immediately reminding the Dodgers of the energy and production he can provide whenever he is healthy.

Hernández’s eventual return would give Los Angeles another experienced option capable of contributing at multiple positions while also strengthening the team’s bench heading into the stretch run.

For a roster already loaded with talent, adding a healthy Hernández could feel like an important midseason acquisition without requiring the Dodgers to complete a trade.

Beyond his versatility, Hernández has earned a reputation as one of the Dodgers’ most respected clubhouse leaders.

He is known for embracing every role asked of him, whether starting regularly or coming off the bench, always putting the team’s success ahead of individual accomplishments.

His positive energy, professionalism, and ability to keep teammates engaged have made him an invaluable presence throughout his career.

Hernández also thrives under pressure, consistently displaying confidence in the biggest moments while never shying away from difficult situations.

His baseball intelligence allows him to adapt quickly to different defensive positions, giving managers tremendous flexibility when constructing lineups.

Combined with his leadership, work ethic, and postseason experience, those qualities make Hernández far more valuable than his individual statistics alone.

As the Dodgers prepare for another World Series push, getting him back healthy would provide an emotional and competitive lift throughout the clubhouse while adding another trusted veteran capable of making an impact whenever his number is called.

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