Los Angeles Dodgers add back Kiké Hernández, Edwin Díaz and eye Shohei Ohtani’s return
Utility‑man Kiké Hernández was activated from the Dodgers’ 60‑day injured list on Tuesday after a left oblique strain that was later classified as a grade‑3 full tear. He accelerated his recovery with daily hyper‑baric chamber sessions and a stem‑cell injection, then went 4‑for‑4 with a home run and two doubles in his first two games back. To make room for Hernández, second‑baseman Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple‑A Oklahoma City. Manager Dave Roberts said the club is “getting whole.”
Two‑way star Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch again this season, but the team is not rushing him. A recent MRI and a lubricant injection show his left knee is improving, though he continues a designated‑hitter role while his arm work proceeds with medicine‑ball throws. Ohtani is 8‑2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings.
Closer Edwin Díaz was re‑added to the active roster after a three‑month recovery from elbow surgery that removed loose bodies. Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. Díaz’s return bolsters a bullpen that had struggled after his early‑season injury.
Entities: Alex Freeland · Dave Roberts · Edwin Díaz · Kiké Hernández · Los Angeles Dodgers · Neal ElAttrache · Seattle Mariners · Shohei Ohtani
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hernández accelerated recovery with hyperbaric‑chamber sessions and a stem‑cell injection. (Player interview)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Kiké Hernández was activated from the Dodgers’ 60‑day injured list on Tuesday. (Los Angeles Dodgers claim)
- [● 6 SOURCES] In his first two games back Hernández went 4‑for‑4 with a home run and two doubles. (Game recap)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hernández is expected to play utility positions at second base, third base and the outfield, especially against left‑handed pitching. (He is expected to see regular duty at second base, third base and the outfield, particularly versus left‑handed pitchers)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple‑A Oklahoma City to make room for Hernández. (Roster move announcement)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are “getting whole” and expressed excitement about Hernández’s return. (Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are “getting whole” and are excited to have Hernández back.)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The oblique injury was a grade‑3 full tear. (Dodgers medical staff)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hernández had been sidelined since May 26 due to a left oblique strain. (He had been sidelined since May 26 because of a left oblique strain.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Edwin Díaz was activated from the 60‑day injured list after elbow surgery to remove loose bodies, and Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. (Team announcement)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch again this season but the Dodgers are not rushing his return; his left knee is improving after an MRI and a lubricant injection. (Team spokesperson)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani has a record of 8‑2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings pitched. (Season statistics)