Enrique Hernández Returns to Action with the Dodgers
Los Angeles — Enrique Hernández has been activated from the injured list, bringing the Dodgers closer to having all their key players back. The versatile 34-year-old infielder and outfielder had been out since July 6 due to inflammation in his left elbow. He was available off the bench for the first game of the series against the Cincinnati Reds, but did not play in the 7-0 victory. He is expected to start on Tuesday and Wednesday, although manager Dave Roberts was not sure where he would play. Hernández participated in five rehabilitation games with the Triple-A Oklahoma City team, batting .357 with two doubles and three RBIs. In the current season, he has played in 72 games, with a batting average of .195, eight home runs, and 22 RBIs. The Dodgers are in a tight competition with the San Diego Padres in the National League West Division. They lost two of three games against the Padres over the weekend, but regained first place with Monday’s win and San Diego’s loss to the Seattle Mariners.Among the players still out are third baseman Max Muncy, infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman, infielder Hyeseong Kim, and relievers Michael Kopech, Brusdar Graterol, and Brock Stewart. Muncy will return next week during the team’s trip to the East Coast. Blake Snell will return from paternity leave in time to make his scheduled start on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. His wife recently gave birth to the couple’s second child, and Roberts said everyone is healthy. In a corresponding move, Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment. The 26-year-old infielder had one hit in 17 at-bats in seven games for the Dodgers. He was picked up shortly after he was placed on assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays.We are regaining health. I thank the guys who have been here, fighting until we are complete, but it’s good to look to the horizon and see the players we have coming.
Dave Roberts