Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Enrique Hernandez has been activated from the 60-day injured list and is set to make his season debut against the Colorado Rockies. Hernandez, who underwent surgery on his left elbow, will be playing third base and batting ninth in the lineup.

Hernandez’s Journey Back

The 34-year-old Hernandez had surgery in November after missing significant time in the 2025 season due to elbow issues. Despite the setback, he signed a one-year contract worth $4.5 million with the Dodgers in February. His recovery process meant he was unable to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March.

Hernandez’s return is timely for the Dodgers, as third baseman Max Muncy is currently sidelined with right wrist pain. Muncy was injured by a pitch from Milwaukee Brewers’ Aaron Ashby and has been out of the lineup for three consecutive games, although he did participate in some throwing exercises before Monday’s game.

Team Adjustments

To make room for Hernandez on the roster, the Dodgers designated utility player Santiago Espinal for assignment. Espinal, 31, has played in 26 games this season, batting .220 with one home run and four RBIs. His career includes a stint as a 2022 All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays, and he has a .260 career average with 31 home runs over 604 games.

Hernandez’s career with the Dodgers has been marked by his clutch performances in the postseason. He has hit 16 home runs and driven in 42 RBIs over 103 playoff games, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series victories in 2020, 2024, and 2025. His postseason prowess was also evident during his time with the Boston Red Sox, where he hit five home runs in the 2021 playoffs.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.