Kiké Hernández Rebounds From Injury, Leads Dodgers in Fan Q&A Ahead of Critical NL West Race
When Kiké Hernández stepped in front of a Zoom camera on February 26, 2025, he wasn’t just answering fan questions—he was reaffirming his place in the soul of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 33-year-old utility star, two-time World Series champion and the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason appearances, hosted a 23-minute, 52-second session titled Chatting Practice Powered by Zoom EventsLos Angeles, streamed live on MLB.com and its Spanish-language platform. Fans asked about clutch hits, family life, and why he chose to come back. His answer? Simple: ‘This is home.’
A Player Who Never Left
Even before he signed his one-year deal for the 2025 season—announced via X on February 9, 2025, with the cryptic post, ‘Walking through the open door’—the Dodgers had never really let him go. General manager Brandon Gomes had already hinted at it at FanFest: ‘Obviously, we’ll never close the door to Kiké.’ Teammate Teoscar Hernández echoed it: ‘Everybody’s waiting for that news to pop up.’ And when it did, fans didn’t just celebrate—they breathed easier. Because Kiké isn’t just a player. He’s the glue.
Since the Dodgers acquired him from the Houston Astros for minor leaguer Josh Fields on July 31, 2015, he’s been everywhere: second base, shortstop, all three outfield spots. Through 2024, he’d logged over 2,000 defensive innings across five positions. That versatility? It’s why manager Dave Roberts keeps him in the lineup even when he’s not hitting .300. And he’s been on the field for all four of the Dodgers’ World Series runs under Roberts—including the titles in 2020 and 2024.
The Postseason Heartbeat
Regular season stats? They tell part of the story. In 2024, Hernández hit .229/.281/.373 in 126 games. But in the playoffs? He turned into a different player: .294/.357/.451. Two home runs. Key doubles. A stolen base in Game 4 of the World Series that shifted momentum. After Game 2, with the Dodgers up 2-0, he looked at the camera and said, ‘Hopefully we only have to play 3 more.’ That line? It’s on a T-shirt in LA. It’s in the clubhouse. It’s the kind of confidence only a veteran who’s been through it all can project.
And it wasn’t luck. Hernández thrives under pressure. His swing tightens. His instincts sharpen. He doesn’t need the spotlight—he becomes it.
Injury, Comeback, and the Tightest Race in the NL
Then came the elbow inflammation. July 6, 2025. The Dodgers’ season started to wobble. He missed 50 games. But his rehab? That was a masterclass. Five assignments with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Batting .357 in 14 at-bats. Two doubles. Three RBI. No flinching.
On August 25, 2025, he was activated. That same night, the Dodgers faced the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The stakes? The NL West. The Dodgers and San Diego Padres tied for first. One game. One night. One player who’d done this before.
He started at second base. Went 1-for-3. Drew a walk. Scored the tying run. The Dodgers won in extras. The crowd chanted his name. Again.
More Than a Ballplayer
Behind the scenes, Hernández and his wife, Maripaz Hernández, have built a life in LA. They’ve supported youth baseball programs in East LA. Hosted winter clinics for underserved kids. Their kids go to local schools. That’s not just branding—it’s belonging. And when teams like the Mets or Yankees whispered about bigger contracts, he chose the city that chose him first.
That’s why the Chatting Practice session felt different. Not just another Q&A. It was a homecoming. Fans asked about his Puerto Rican roots, his Dominican heritage, how he stays mentally sharp. He laughed. Told stories about his dad teaching him to hit left-handed so he could play both sides of the infield. Said he still watches old clips of Tino Martinez from the ’90s Yankees—another utility hero who made the most of every opportunity.
What’s Next?
With 72 games played in 2025 and a .195 average, Hernández isn’t the power hitter he once was. But he doesn’t need to be. He’s the spark. The pinch-hitter who turns a 3-2 count into a walk-off. The defensive switch who saves a game in the 8th. The voice in the dugout that says, ‘We’ve done this before.’
As the Dodgers push toward October, every at-bat matters. Every inning. Every double play turned at shortstop. And if they make another World Series run? Kiké Hernández will be there—not just as a player, but as the heartbeat of a team that knows what it takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kiké Hernández considered so valuable despite his low batting average in 2025?
Kiké’s value isn’t measured in average—it’s in versatility and postseason impact. In 2025, he’s played six positions, provided clutch defense, and delivered key hits in high-leverage moments. His .294 postseason average in 2024 and .357 rehab slash line in Triple-A show he performs under pressure. The Dodgers rely on him to fill gaps, shift defensively, and spark rallies—stats that don’t always show up on a stat sheet.
How did Kiké Hernández become the Dodgers’ all-time leader in postseason appearances?
Hernández has appeared in 52 postseason games as of the 2024 World Series, surpassing previous records held by players like Russell Martin and Andre Ethier. His longevity—10 seasons with the Dodgers since 2015—and consistent role in every playoff run under Dave Roberts allowed him to accumulate more appearances than any other player in franchise history. He’s been on the roster for every postseason since 2016, including four World Series trips.
What role does Kiké Hernández play in the Dodgers’ current NL West race against the Padres?
With both teams tied for first in August 2025, Hernández’s ability to play multiple positions gives manager Dave Roberts unmatched flexibility. He can replace a struggling starter, defend against left-handed power hitters, or pinch-hit in late innings. His presence stabilizes the lineup and allows Roberts to rest other key players without losing defensive integrity—a critical advantage in a grueling division race.
Why did Kiké Hernández choose to re-sign with the Dodgers instead of a team offering more money?
Beyond baseball, Hernández and his wife, Maripaz, have deep roots in Los Angeles, including community work and their children’s education. He’s publicly credited the city’s culture and fan support as key factors. While teams like the Mets and Yankees offered larger contracts, none matched the emotional connection he feels to the Dodgers organization and the city that embraced him since 2015.
How does the ‘Chatting Practice’ event reflect MLB’s broader fan engagement strategy?
MLB’s Zoom Events initiative, powered by MLB Advanced Media, aims to humanize players beyond box scores. Previous sessions featured legends like Tino Martinez discussing the 1990s Yankees. By offering bilingual access (MLB.com/es) and intimate Q&As, MLB builds loyalty among diverse fanbases—especially important for teams like the Dodgers, whose fanbase spans English and Spanish speakers across the U.S. and Latin America.
What’s the significance of Kiké Hernández being one of the longest-tenured Dodgers alongside Clayton Kershaw?
Hernández and Kershaw are the last two original pieces of the current Dodgers dynasty. Kershaw is the ace; Hernández is the Swiss Army knife. Their shared tenure symbolizes continuity in a league defined by turnover. While stars come and go, their presence signals stability—something fans crave. It also makes Hernández a bridge between generations: mentoring younger players like Gavin Lux while still competing at a high level.
