Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about utility man Kiké Hernández, shortstop Mookie Betts and second baseman Tommy Edman’s schedules as they recover from injuries.
Both Edman and Hernandez are yet to play in a game for the Dodgers this season as they recover from surgeries they underwent in the offseason. Betts played just eight games for the Dodgers in 2026 before landing on the injured list with an oblique issue.
Per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Roberts said Hernandez could start his rehab as soon as Tuesday. Hernandez had surgery on his elbow in the offseason, keeping him out of the 2026 World Baseball Classic and on the injured list to start the season.
Edman still doesn’t have a timeline for return, with Roberts reportedly saying he’s on a “slow program” as he recovers from surgery on his ankle in November. Edman landed on the injured list twice due to ankle issues in 2025.
Betts has been swinging the bat recently, and will face live pitching Thursday. While Roberts didn’t give an exact timeline, he said Betts could begin his rehab assignment “soon.”
How Have the Dodgers Fared Without Their Injured Position Players?
The Dodgers got off to a good start to the season without Hernandez, Betts and Edman, but things have slowed down in recent games.
The Dodgers’ high-powered offense has screeched to a halt over the last two series, and they haven’t hit a home run in the last six games after leading MLB in that regard just a week ago.
Who Has Replaced Each Player This Season?
Hernandez has taken a supplementary role over the last few seasons, and will likely fill in at third base or in a corner outfield spot when he returns.
Max Muncy has played well at third base this season, as has Teoscar Hernandez in left, so the Dodgers won’t have to rush the fan favorite back for immediate results.
As for Betts and Edman, the Dodgers have shuffled around their arrangement in the middle infield several times without the presence of two of their big names. The Dodgers called up Hyeseong Kim to replace Mookie Betts when he went down with injury, and Kim has split time at short with Miguel Rojas for the last month. At second base, Alex Freeland has received a majority of the reps with Santiago Espinal or Kim plugging in on occasion.
Dodgers second basemen this year are batting below league average and currently rank 18th in MLB in wRC+.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ situation at shortstop hasn’t been terrible since Betts’ departure. Dodgers shortstops have a 116 wRC+ since Betts went down, ranking fourth in MLB during that stretch.
That being said, the Dodgers will still hope to have all of their injured stars make a return soon as they chase their third consecutive World Series championship.
Which injured Dodgers position player do you want to return first?