Free-agent infielder Kiké Hernández announced on social media that he underwent surgery on his left elbow, which troubled him throughout the 2025 season. The procedure will cause him to miss the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico next spring. Hernández did not provide a return timetable.
Kiké Hernández, a 34-year-old free agent and 12-year MLB veteran, revealed on Saturday via Instagram that he recently had surgery to address a left elbow injury sustained during the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The injury first occurred in May, initially as muscle damage from a headfirst slide into home plate in late May, according to reports. Hernández played through the pain, which worsened into a bone fracture, leading to inflammation that sidelined him.
He was placed on the injured list on July 7 with left elbow inflammation after playing hurt for about a month. Hernández returned on August 26 but was limited to 93 games for the season, batting .203 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs. 'I played [until], basically, I felt like I couldn't even hold the bat anymore,' Hernández said upon his return. 'And I mean, it was kind of dumb on my end. But I've always felt that if I feel like I could play, I'm not going to go on the IL. By the time we went in for the MRI, it was a little too late.'
Despite regular-season struggles, Hernández contributed significantly in the postseason, recording 16 hits across 17 games to help the Dodgers secure their second consecutive World Series title against the Toronto Blue Jays—his third championship with the club. He appeared in more postseason games as a Dodger (92) than any player in franchise history. Key moments included closing Game 6 with a double play on a line drive to left field, nabbing Addison Barger at second base, and colliding with Andy Pages on a fly ball by Ernie Clement in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7's 4-4 tie; Pages made the catch to preserve the win.
Hernández, who represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in 2017 and 2023, will miss the 2026 tournament due to recovery. There is mutual interest in a reunion with the Dodgers, where he has spent parts of 10 seasons and leads in playoff appearances. Over 12 MLB seasons, he has hit .236/.305/.403 with nearly 18 Wins Above Replacement, playing multiple defensive positions.