Dodgers: Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernandez likely back on Tuesday

Prior to Sunday’s game, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts said that both Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernandez are likely to be activated on Tuesday.

The Dodgers will soon be back to near full strength on their bench.  Before Sunday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves, Dave Roberts said that both Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernandez are likely to be activated on Tuesday.  With those two moves, the pending roster crunch will happen.  Jedd Gyorko was activated Sunday in addition to Tony Gonsolin.

Chris Taylor last appeared in a game on July 14th for the Dodgers while Hernandez last played with the Dodgers on July 24th.  During their time off, the Dodgers have gotten unexpected contributions from Kristopher Negrón.  Unfortunately for LA, Negrón is out of options so unless an injury pops up, he is likely to be designated for assignment.

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Taylor has been on a rehab assignment with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and has played three games for them.  Entering Sunday’s action, he is 5-10 with the Quakes with one home run and four RBI’s.  He has been playing shortstop for the Quakes as he prepares to give the Dodgers a true backup shortstop once again.

Kiké Hernandez has been rehabbing with the two Arizona league Dodger clubs, the AZL Dodgers Mota and the AZL Dodgers Lasorda.  In two games in Arizona, Kiké is 1-5 with one home run and three RBI’s.  Hernandez has played second base and centerfield for the AZL Dodgers and will resume his super-utility role when he returns.

Josh Sborz and Edwin Rios were optioned Sunday to make room for Tony Gonsolin and Jedd Gyorko so it will be interesting to see what the next two moves are for the Dodgers.  Kyle Garlick is one obvious potential move but the next move becomes the tougher one.  Will it be the end of Negrón’s time in LA or will the Dodgers demote a player with options left like Matt Beaty?

With Taylor and Hernandez soon back in the fold, the one key bench player the Dodgers are waiting on is David Freese.  Freese has been on the IL with a hamstring strain and was originally projected to be back in late August.  There hasn’t been any news since then.  Once Freese returns the club’s bench will be at full strength.