Editorials

Dodgers News: Kiké Hernandez Nearing Return, Yasiel Puig Further Back

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Los Angeles Dodgers’ main concern remains winning the National League West division for a third consecutive year, they also have multiple players who are attempting to make a return from injury prior to season’s end.

Chief among them are utility man Kiké Hernandez and outfielder Yasiel Puig. Both players are currently on the disabled list due to a strained hamstring, but they’re separated on the path to recovery. “Kiké seems to be on the mend, so within a few days, he’s a possibility [at third base] also,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said on Sunday.



Hernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 31 with the first hamstring strain of his career, which naturally led to some frustration for the 24 year old; more specifically due to injury occurring at a late stage of the season.

Less than two weeks ago Hernandez set the final week of September as his target date to return. Given Mattingly’s update, that appears to be plausible. “He’s [Hernandez] doing really well, probably better than anybody on the rehab trail,” Mattingly said.

“He’s heading out Tuesday to play games. He’s been running almost at 100 percent. Not feeling anything and bouncing back.” Hernandez will be joined at Camelback Ranch by Jose Peraza and Puig, though they won’t arrive until Thursday when the Dodgers head for Colorado to start a seven-game road trip. Whether Puig will manage to return this season remains up in the air.

“Yasiel is at 65 percent,” Mattingly said. “The right hamstring is feeling good, the left hamstring is feeling tight.” Puig was placed on the disabled list Aug. 28 with a right hamstring strain. A left hamstring strain forced him to the DL back in April, and seemingly threw his entire season of course.

Unlike Hernandez and Puig, Peraza is not on the disabled list. He suffered a tweaked hamstring, something he didn’t believe to be serious, Sept. 1 and missed the next eight games. Peraza returned and managed to start just two games before aggravating the hamstring; he last played Sept. 13.

Mattingly initially said it appeared Peraza would be lost for the season, but reversed course the following day and acknowledged there was a belief the 21-year-old speedster could still make a return.

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