LOS ANGELES — Free-agent Los Angeles Dodgers utility standout Kiké Hernández announced via Instagram on Saturday that he underwent surgery to repair a torn elbow extension muscle and will be unable to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
“My people of Puerto Rico; with pain in my soul I have to let you know that I will not be able to fulfill my dream of playing the clásico in my land! Yesterday … I had to repair my elbow extension muscle as I suffered a tear … continuing to play with the urge to repeat as World Series Champion caused it to break the bone. Rehab won’t allow me to be ready in time to put on my uniform with Puerto Rico on my chest. I hope they understand. I LOVE THEM! 🇵🇷 #00949 #787 In the last picture you can see how the elbow was in the playoffs.”
The post highlights how the injury apparently worsened during the postseason, culminating in a tear and subsequent surgery. Hernández, known for his versatility and clutch postseason performances, had already dealt with elbow inflammation earlier in the 2025 season while with the Dodgers.
The timing is particularly significant: the World Baseball Classic allows players to represent their countries on a global stage, and for Hernández—born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and long a member of the national team—this represents a personal and professional disappointment. His Instagram note underscores that disappointment: the commitment to Puerto Rican baseball hasn’t changed, but the physical condition simply won’t allow it.
From a career perspective, Hernández’s decision and condition will likely factor into both his free-agent market value and how clubs view his short-term availability. He signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers earlier in 2025, and after the season he entered free-agency with that one-year status.
For the Puerto Rico national team, the absence of Hernández removes a veteran, multi-position player from the roster—a loss of defensive versatility and postseason experience. On the club-side, any potential suitors will monitor his rehab timetable closely, given the elbow issues that sidelined him for multiple weeks in 2025.
Hernández’s post-surgery rehab will determine whether he can return to full form in 2026 and beyond, but as of now, his message was one of sadness and gratitude: sadness at being unable to wear his country’s uniform in the WBC, and gratitude toward his fans and homeland. “I LOVE THEM!” he concluded, continuing to reflect the pride of a Puerto Rican athlete whose international ambitions now must wait.
