Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández returns to the starting lineup tonight for the series finale against the Colorado Rockies, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. Hernández has missed several games due to the stomach flu. He has been a fan favorite since donning a Dodgers’ uniform.
Teoscar Hernández (stomach bug) returns to the Dodgers lineup today. On returning:
“[I feel] great. The last two days it’s been a little tough, but I feel better. Just to be able to go on the field, feel good, be with the guys and play the game.”@ByJackHarris @latimessports
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) April 16, 2025
Teoscar Hernández Returns to Dodgers Lineup
The Butter and Egg Man
Hernández has been a lynch pin in the Dodgers’ lineup. After a successful 2024, the clean-up hitter signed a multi-year deal this winter and hasn’t missed a beat. He has been the definition of clutch. Thus far in 2025, Hernández has a batting average of .281 with five home runs and 16 runs batted in. He had a stretch where he had three home runs in four games. His return adds a dimension to an offense that has struggled to score runs for three straight series prior to playing Colorado. After sprinting to an 8-0 start, the Dodgers have only managed break-even ball.
Not the Only One
Hernández was the third Dodger this season to be felled by the flu. Mookie Betts missed the opening series in Japan due to a mysterious bug. Worse yet, he lost more than 20 pounds. He recently reported that he gained back more weight than he originally lost. Days later, Kiké Hernández was sidelined with something similar. Both have returned none the worse for wear.
More Good News on the Horizon
Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw made his first rehab appearance of the season. He got through three innings on just 30 pitches at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He allowed no runs, no walks, and just two hits, while striking out two. Kershaw is rehabbing from multiple offseason surgeries and is expected back on a major league mound in June.
The Dodgers are known to be cautious when it comes to injuries, but it seems that their patience is paying off.
Photo Credit: © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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