With Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández being put back on the injured list with a strained oblique, a roster spot has opened up.
The Dodgers have elected to bring back up a player recently sent down to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets: Alex Freeland.
Freeland was sent down earlier this month when Mookie Betts returned from injury — coincidentally, also a strained oblique — but has since been excelling for OKC.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Alex Freeland (76) tosses the ball to first base to force an out against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
It’s unclear how long he would stay with the Dodgers, as Tommy Edman is also due back from injury.
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Edman began his rehab assignment with OKC on Tuesday, though it’s expected to be a lengthy period.
Hernández’s injury could also benefit Hyeseong Kim, who was believed to be the likely option to be sent down upon Edman’s return.
With Hernández out as well, though, Kim could remain in the majors for longer.
How did Kiké Hernández get hurt again?
Hernández, who’d recently returned from having elbow surgery in the offseason, played only a game and a half before exiting with an injury Tuesday night.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) speaks to the media during media day and team workouts at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Hernández said after the game Tuesday that he’d experienced the strain during batting practice on Monday, before he made his season debut.
Despite that, he played through it, hitting 4-for-4 with two doubles and a home run in limited action before he was forced to exit his second game after reaching base during his second at-bat.
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How long will Kiké Hernández be out?
Hernández said it’s hard to be sure how long he’ll be out, as he’s never experienced an oblique injury before.
That said, he’s hoping for a low-grade strain.
“I’m hoping that it’s best-case scenario, maybe hopefully a grade 1 and at least two or three weeks and I’m back, but who knows,” he said.
In Betts’ case, he returned after five weeks.
If Hernández gets his wish and his strain is low-grade, he could indeed be back within a couple of weeks.
A high-grade strain, though, could cost him up to eight weeks.
On social media, Hernández stayed positive.
“Badtripiau and peaky but well… We’re going forward!! I love you my people!”