Dodgers News: Kiké Hernández Moved to 60-Day IL as Dodgers Clear Roster Spot for Jack Suwinski
With Hernández sidelined, the Dodgers create room on the roster for outfielder Jack Suwinski.
GLENDALE, AZ—Just before the Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off Cactus League play, beginning their 2026 season, the team announced that they’ve claimed left-handed hitting outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
However, with the Dodgers’ 40-man roster full, the team had to make a corresponding move, which was transferring fan-favorite utilityman Kiké Hernández to the 60-day injured list.
The move comes as no surprise, as Hernández is expected to miss most of the first half of the regular season as he recovers from offseason left elbow surgery.
Hernández, 34, re-signed with Los Angeles late in the offseason, just as the team reported to spring training just two weeks ago, to yet another 1-year deal, this time valued at just $4.5 million.
The veteran utility player played only 92 games last season because of a lingering left elbow injury. This resulted in a subpar performance, with Hernández posting a line of .203/.255/.366, including eight doubles, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs.
Still, Hernández came up big in a few key moments during the Dodgers 2025 October run, collecting the third World Series title of his career, all of which were with the Dodgers.
Hernández is now the second player to be placed on the 60-day IL this spring, joining veteran right-handed relief pitcher Evan Phillips, who re-signed with Los Angeles to a 1-year, $6.5 million deal.
Both players are expected back around the second half of the regular season and are being viewed as internal trade deadline acquisitions per Dodgers General Manager Branon Gomes.
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