Dodgers’ Hernández begins rehab assignment with two-run homer
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, hitting a two-run home run in his first at-bat since May. The team aims to reinstate him before the end of the month, contingent on his performance and the status of fellow outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández made his first rehab appearance on Tuesday, playing for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets in Reno. Hernández, who has not played a Triple-A game since 2019, hit a two-run home run to left field in his second at-bat, providing the first runs for a team that had not scored prior to the hit. The home run marked his only hit of the night but served as a strong indicator of his readiness to return to the major league roster.
Hernández was placed on the injured list on 29 May after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring strain while trying to beat out a ground ball against the Colorado Rockies. Prior to the injury, he had recorded a .325 batting average with three home runs and 14 runs batted in for May, raising his season on-base plus slugging percentage from .701 to .784. The Dodgers plan for him to play four to five games in Triple-A, with the objective of activating him before the end of June.
According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, the timeline for Hernández’s return is linked to the team’s upcoming series against the Oakland Athletics at the end of the month. If his rehab progresses as planned, he could be reinstated in time for that series. The assignment allows the club to evaluate his physical condition while maintaining flexibility with their current outfield roster.
Hernández’s absence has necessitated roster adjustments involving outfielders Alex Call and Ryan Ward. Call has improved his season on-base plus slugging percentage to .733, including a strong performance against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Conversely, Ward has seen a decline in performance after an initial period of success. The Dodgers are likely to send one of these players down to make room for Hernández, depending on his return date and overall health.
An alternative scenario exists if fellow outfielder Kyle Tucker is unable to play. Tucker went down with an injury in Monday’s game, though neither he nor manager Dave Roberts have expressed significant concern about the severity. If Tucker is placed on the injured list, the Dodgers could reinstate Hernández without demoting Call or Ward, preserving the depth of their outfield options.
