An illness that has been running rampant in the Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse for weeks has reportedly claimed a fan favorite as its latest victim.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, utility man Kiké Hernández is not expected to play in the Dodgers' stateside Opening Day matchup against the Detroit Tigers because he is battling an illness that is "possibly" a stomach flu. Hernández likely would have been Los Angeles' starting second baseman in Thursday's contest, but Miguel Rojas will start in his place.
Today's #OpeningDayLA Dodgers lineup vs. Tigers: pic.twitter.com/WzeSohbA3H
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 27, 2025
Hernández played in both games of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs last week, hitting a three-run homer during the season-opening international series. He also played in all three exhibition games of the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels this past weekend, where he went 1-for-5.
Hernández re-signed with the Dodgers during the offseason after a lengthy free agency that had many fans fearing that his time with the team had come to an end. Hernández played in 126 games for the Dodgers in 2024, slashing .229/.281/.373 with 12 home runs and 42 RBI.
Dodgers Lineup: Fans will feel for Kiké Hernandez after illness ruins his Opening Day moment
With full-team home opener introductions set to happen prior to Thursday's game, the Dodgers are scheduled to hold their World Series ring ceremony, hosted by Anthony Anderson, on Friday. Former Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, who has since re-signed with the Tigers, will receive his ring at the ceremony. Hopefully, Hernández will be well enough by then to partake in the festivities as well.
On a more positive health note, Mookie Betts is in the Dodgers' lineup and will play Thursday against the Tigers after missing the first two games of the season in Tokyo due to a lengthy stomach illness that saw him lose nearly 20 pounds in a span of just two weeks.
Thursday's home opener will be nationally televised on ESPN at 4:10 p.m. PT and will feature two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell making his Dodgers debut against reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and the Tigers.
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