The 2026 season will go down as a trying one for Los Angeles Dodgers' utility man Kiké Hernández. 

Before being activated off the Injured List for the second time this season on Tuesday following a torn oblique that he suffered just two games in after his initial stint off the Injured List back in May, Hernández took some time to reflect on his journey of recovery. 

Hernández told the media via SportsNetLA that, after an MRI revealed that he suffered a Grade 3 strain, he had a panic attack while sitting in traffic. Hernández said that calling his wife, Mariana, and taking some deep breaths calmed him down.

Initially, Hernández believed that the diagnosis was "surgical," mixed in with the uncertainty of how the oblique heals. Along with that, he jotted down that actions such as sneezing and coughing were extremely uncomfortable.

But he also showed his grace in how lucky he was to not undergo a certain human function. 

"Lucky for me, my body protected me. I didn't poop for like six days after I got hurt. People said that was excruciating, but I didn't experience that," Hernández said. 

The 34-year-old recalled his recovery process from two months prior, following offseason elbow surgery, and stated that taking it day by day was the only way to improve. 

"All you can do is take it one day at a time, and the best way that you can take things one day at a time is focusing on what you can do today to get better," Hernández said to the media. 

Hernández was surprised by how effective the stem-cell injections he received were, which he believed helped elevate his chances for a speedy return. 

For the plan moving forward, manager Dave Roberts noted to the media during the pregame that it would be unlikely that Hernández is pinned in the starting lineup during the Dodgers first series back at home against the Seattle Mariners with three straight lefties on the bump. 

Roberts noted that the Dodgers project they will face six consecutive right-handers, which will result in Hernández earning substantial opportunities to play. He will primarily play third base, left field, and some center field when plans turn to giving Andy Pages a day off. 

With the addition of Hernández, the Dodgers' plans for this Trade Deadline could pivot, as Alex Call could be seen as the odd man out due to the redundancy of positions. 

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