Imagine winning the World Series, only to face a long recovery from a hidden injury. That's exactly what happened to Kiké Hernández after the Los Angeles Dodgers' thrilling 2025 victory! But here's the kicker: he wasn't just dealing with one issue, but two! Let's dive into the details of the surgery and the surprising UCL decision that could have changed everything.
Fresh off celebrating their championship, Hernández became a free agent. However, before he could even think about his next contract, he went under the knife to address a left elbow problem that had been nagging him throughout the season. The procedure, an extensor repair (you can read more about it here: [https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-free-agent-kike-hernandez-timeline-return-extensor-repair-elbow-surgery/2025/11/25/]), is expected to keep him off the field until at least May of the following season. That's a significant chunk of time!
Remember that stint on the injured list earlier in the year? Hernández actually missed nearly two months due to that very same left elbow discomfort. The initial injury occurred during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on May 28th, when he slid head-first into home plate. Ouch!
Now, this is where it gets controversial... During an appearance on Adam Ottavino's "Baseball & Coffee" podcast (check it out here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60XZ3xsGnlU]), Hernández dropped a bombshell: he'd also been playing through a UCL injury in that same left elbow for most of the 2025 season! For those new to baseball, the UCL, or ulnar collateral ligament, is crucial for throwing, and injuries to it often require Tommy John surgery – a procedure with a notoriously long recovery time.
Here's the direct quote from Kiké: "They didn’t want to touch my UCL. They didn’t check it this time around. In July, there was a tear there, but Dr. ElAttrache was like, ‘I’m not going to worry about your UCL because it’s your bottom arm and you don’t put a lot of stress on it when you swing. So he was like, ‘I’m not going to let you miss a full year of baseball for your non-throwing arm.’”
Essentially, the medical team decided that because Hernández is a right-handed hitter and the injury was to his left elbow, the UCL tear wasn't as critical to address immediately. Undergoing UCL surgery would have significantly extended his recovery time, potentially sidelining him for an entire year! It's a calculated risk, prioritizing short-term availability over long-term stability. What do you think about that decision? Was it the right call, or should they have addressed the UCL tear proactively?
Hernández initially tried to tough it out, but the elbow pain clearly affected his performance at the plate. He eventually landed on the 10-day injured list on July 7th, a move that was, in retrospect, almost inevitable. He didn't return to the lineup until August 25th, after exploring various non-surgical treatments in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort. And this is the part most people miss: he was still playing in pain!
Ultimately, Hernández finished the season with a .203/.255/.366 batting line, including eight doubles, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs in 92 games. Despite the persistent elbow issues, he gutted it out and played in all 17 postseason games, even contributing a game-changing double play in Game 6 of the World Series! Talk about dedication!
Unfortunately, the elbow surgery means that Hernández will be unable to represent Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This is a blow for both him and the team, as he's a key player and a source of national pride.
The big question now: How will this surgery affect Hernández's free agency? It's unclear whether teams will be hesitant to sign him given the injury and recovery timeline. However, his proven postseason experience, defensive versatility, and clubhouse presence could still make him an attractive option. Could we see another reunion with the Dodgers? It's definitely a possibility.
What do you think? Will Kiké Hernández re-sign with the Dodgers, or will another team take a chance on him despite the injury? And considering the UCL decision, do you think the Dodgers prioritized winning now over his long-term health? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Also, don't forget to subscribe to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel ([https://www.youtube.com/c/dodgerblue1958]) for the latest Dodgers news, interviews, and more!
