Los Angeles Dodgers expect utilityman Kiké Hernández to open the season on Monday after elbow surgery. The 34‑year‑old was activated from the disabled list and will face the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Hernández signed a one‑year, $4.5 million deal in February, keeping him in Los Angeles.

Roberts praised Hernández’s energy, noting a mix of levity and intensity that could spark the lineup. Hernández missed the World Baseball Classic and his 2026 start because of the procedure, but he logged 12 rehab games with a .214 average and .298 on‑base percentage in Oklahoma City.

Last season, Hernández posted a .203 average with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 92 games for Los Angeles. In the postseason he batted .272, hit 16 homers, and drove in 42 runs over 103 appearances, helping the Dodgers capture titles in 2020, 2024 and 2025.

Hernández’s return arrives as third baseman Max Muncy recovers from a wrist hit by a 95.5‑mph sinker. Muncy, who has a .258 average and 12 homers, is expected back soon, but Roberts said he will not be in the lineup today. The Dodgers look to keep momentum heading into the Rockies series.