Hernandez, who was initially reported to have left Monday’s game against Miami with hamstring tightness, underwent an MRI Tuesday that revealed the groin injury. He had exited the game in the third inning after making a catch in the gap. When it was his turn to bat again in the fourth, he was replaced by Chris Taylor.
“He’s had a huge impact,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Without Teo, we try to balance out the lineup. It’s going to be more of a platoon approach for now.”
The 32-year-old Hernandez had been hitting .315 with a team-high 34 RBIs and nine home runs, tied with Shohei Ohtani for the team lead. Despite the injury, Roberts indicated that Hernandez would be out for several weeks, although a specific timetable for his return remains unclear.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers recalled outfielder James Outman from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Outman, who had a solid rookie season in 2023 with 23 homers and 70 RBIs, started in center field on Tuesday but struggled, going 0 for 3 with three strikeouts and a walk in the Dodgers’ 5-4, 10-inning loss to the Marlins.
“It’s up to him to relax and play freely,” Roberts said, offering advice to Outman.
Hernandez’s injury marks the second offensive player on the Dodgers’ IL this season, joining Tommy Edman, who was sidelined earlier with right ankle inflammation. The team also recalled right-handed reliever J.P. Feyereisen from Oklahoma City and designated Yoendrys Gomez for assignment.
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