Dodgers get encouraging Kiké Hernandez news just in time for trade deadline

The Los Angeles Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches. While the Dodgers are always expected to make a big splash at the trade deadline, this is the first time in ages they may not really have to. While it's the sort of statement that will often get executives mocked, the Dodgers have enough returning players coming off the injured list to pass on additions elsewhere.

Could LA use another bullpen piece? Sure, but they also have Edwin Diaz and Evan Phillips returning soon. Is Tarik Skubal on Andrew Friedman's radar? Absolutely, but only at the right price, as the Dodgers rotation already features Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani and Justin Wrobleski at full strength. Looming comebacks by Will Smith and, yes, fan favorite Kiké Hernandez should sure up lineup depth as well. Do you catch my drift?

Kiké Hernandez's return couldn't come at a better time for the Dodgers

Hernandez suffered an oblique strain after starting his season 4-for-4 in late May against the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers have been slow-playing Hernandez's return, in part because they can. Alex Freeland has been just fine in a reserve role on the infield. The Dodgers also never placed Hernandez on the 60-day injured list, so he can return whenever he's comfortable.

“Honestly, he looks normal,” Roberts said over the weekend. “It’s really, I don’t want to say miraculous, but I’m really in disbelief how well he’s responded, given the injury. … Swinging, throwing, everything. There’s no compensation or feeling it. Certainly a quick healer. He’s working hard to get back.”

Say what you will about Hernandez, but he has won three World Series and is the type of glue guy fans love. On a loaded roster like the Dodgers, he's a key clubhouse presence and has cemented his roster spot by playing just about every position outside of catcher, right field and pitcher.

Inside the Dodgers trade deadline plans after Kiké Hernandez returns

What the Dodgers can do differs from what they will do at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Hernandez's looming return takes one possible need away, and that's bench depth. Hernandez is the ultimate super-utility player. In 2025, Hernandez played seven different positions over 93 games, 40 of which he entered as a defensive replacement.

Hernandez doesn't eliminate the Dodgers need for a core bench piece. Ideally, they'd take an upgrade at any position. But his return does mean Friedman doesn't have to make a corner infield player in particular his top priority.

The Dodgers are likely to make a run at Skubal should the Tigers fall out of contention in the AL Wild Card race, especially considering the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves have been named possible suitors as well. For now, though, Los Angeles is sitting pretty with a 14 games division lead and a World Series three-peat well within reach. The addition of Hernandez gets rid of a looming headache.

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