Kiké Hernández’s Shocking Elbow Surgery Threatens Star-Studded World Baseball Classic Lineup

So here’s the scoop: Kiké Hernández revealed this past Saturday that he’s had surgery on his left elbow, the same nagging injury that dogged him through much of last season. This unfortunate development means he won’t be suiting up for Puerto Rico in next year’s World Baseball Classic — a real bummer for his fans and the team alike. Now a free agent juggling infielder and outfielder roles, Kiké hasn’t set a date for when we might see him on the diamond again, leaving many to wonder about his road to recovery.

The guy opened up on Instagram, mentioning how he’d been pushing through the pain for about a month with the Dodgers before landing on the injured list back in early July due to elbow inflammation. Even though he made a comeback on August 26, his playing time was limited to just 93 games. Yet, in the postseason, he was a force — logging 16 hits and helping the Dodgers clinch their second straight World Series title, his third with the squad. In the regular season, his stat line showed a .203 batting average with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs — solid numbers given the circumstances.

It’s tough seeing a player like Hernández, who’s been such a key contributor, sidelined during what would have been a huge moment in international baseball. Fingers crossed he recovers fully and we get to see him back where he belongs — making plays and thrilling fans. LEARN MORE

LOS ANGELES — Kiké Hernández said Saturday he underwent surgery for a left elbow injury that bothered him for much of this past season and he will miss next year’s World Baseball Classic for his native Puerto Rico.

The free agent infielder and outfielder did not provide a timetable for his return.

Hernández wrote on Instagram that he’d been playing hurt for about a month with the Los Angeles Dodgers when he went on the injured list with left elbow inflammation July 7. He returned on Aug. 26 but was limited to 93 games.

He had 16 postseason hits in helping the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series title and his third with the club. He hit .203 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs during the regular season.