Los Angeles Dodgers versatile player Enrique Hernandez will take the field Monday for his first game of the season following his recovery from left elbow surgery.
The 34-year-old had the surgical procedure in November after being sidelined for two months during the 2025 season because of elbow problems. Hernandez returned to the Dodgers organization by signing a one-year deal valued at $4.5 million in February.
The surgical recovery kept Hernandez from representing Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic in March.
Monday’s starting lineup against the Colorado Rockies is expected to include Hernandez.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke with reporters Sunday about Hernandez’s return, saying: “There’s a different energy with (Hernandez). There’s a levity. There’s an intensity. There’s a good worker in there, a winning player. So I’m looking forward to having that edge.”
Hernandez’s return comes at a crucial time as third baseman Max Muncy has been dealing with right wrist discomfort following a hit-by-pitch from Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby on Friday.
Muncy remained out of action Saturday and Sunday and faces additional medical testing if his wrist continues to cause problems Monday.
The 35-year-old Muncy has posted a .258 batting average this season with 12 home runs and 19 RBIs across 48 games.
Last season, Hernandez recorded a .203 batting average with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 92 games. Throughout his 12 major league seasons, including nine with the Dodgers across two different periods, Hernandez maintains a career .236 batting average with 130 home runs and 470 RBIs in 1,275 games.
Hernandez has built his reputation on postseason performance, delivering 16 home runs and 42 RBIs in 103 career playoff games while contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series championships in 2020, 2024 and 2025.
During his time with the Boston Red Sox in 2021, Hernandez connected for five home runs in the postseason as the team advanced to the American League Championship Series before losing to the Houston Astros.
