The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the best teams in MLB once again, despite dealing with key injuries this season. According to a report from Katie Woo of The Athletic, the team may be getting one of its most important hitters back sooner rather than later. After spending more than three weeks on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, outfielder Teoscar Hernández is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Tuesday.
The development marks a significant step in his recovery and could put him on track to rejoin the Dodgers before the end of the month. According to manager Dave Roberts, Hernández has a chance to be activated when Los Angeles opens a series against the Athletics on June 29.
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Key Bat Moving Closer to Return
Hernández’s absence has been noticeable, especially considering how well he was swinging the bat before suffering the injury in late May.
The veteran outfielder was in the middle of a productive stretch at the plate, hitting .325 during the month while collecting seven extra-base hits. His combination of power and run production has been a major part of the Dodgers’ offensive success, making his return an important boost for a lineup that already ranks among the best in baseball.
A successful rehab assignment would likely be the final hurdle before Hernández is cleared to return to the major league roster.
Reinforcements on the Way
Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, the Dodgers have continued to find ways to win games and remain among the top teams in MLB.
Still, getting Hernández back could not come at a better time. The club is currently without catcher Will Smith, another key middle-of-the-order bat who remains on the injured list. Adding Hernández back into the lineup would help offset some of that lost production and provide additional protection throughout the batting order.
His return would also restore stability to the Dodgers’ outfield, where he has served as the club’s regular left fielder.
Dodgers Positioned for Another Boost
The Dodgers have proven they can survive injuries, but championship teams are always better when their stars are healthy.
With Hernández now preparing to return to game action, Los Angeles appears to be one step closer to getting a dangerous power bat back in the lineup. If all goes well during his rehab assignment, Dodgers fans may not have to wait much longer before seeing him back in the middle of the order.
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