Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez lands rehab assignment as injury return nears

Before Friday’s opener of a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided updates on a number of players progressing through their recoveries from the injured list, including outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.

The 33-year-old is expected to begin a Minor League rehab assignment early next week. He has been out since May 29 because of a left hamstring strain. As part of his recovery process, he completed a simulated game on Thursday and came through the workout without any reported setbacks.

Following that successful session, the Dodgers cleared Hernandez to begin game action in the minors. The organization has not finalized his destination, though Triple-A Oklahoma City and Single-A Ontario are both under consideration. Roberts indicated that Triple-A could be preferred because it would allow the two-time All-Star to face more advanced pitching while regaining timing at the plate.

Before suffering the injury, Hernandez remained a crucial run-producing bat in the middle of the Los Angeles’ order. Through 51 games this season, he owns a .276/.348/.436 slash line across 181 at-bats, along with seven home runs, two stolen bases, and a 119 wRC+.

The timing of Hernandez’s return is huge for the Dodgers, who have dealt with several position-player injuries this season. In his absence, Los Angeles relied on Alex Call and Ryan Ward in the outfield. Ward has produced three home runs, 11 RBIs, and an .862 OPS in 43 at-bats over 15 games, while Call recorded a .688 OPS in 89 at-bats across 43 games.

Hernandez is currently in the second year of the three-year, $66 million contract he signed before the 2025 season. He is earning just under $20 million in 2026, with that salary set to increase to $22 million next year. The Dodgers also hold a $15 million team option for the 2028 season. If his rehab assignment progresses as expected, Hernandez could very soon rejoin the major league roster.

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