Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts delivered a troubling update on outfielder Teoscar Hernández following the team’s 7-4 victory over the Miami Marlins on May 5, 2025, raising concerns about the health of one of the team’s most potent hitters. Hernández, a 2024 All-Star and Home Run Derby champion, exited the game in the fourth inning due to left hamstring tightness, prompting immediate worry among fans and the organization. With the Dodgers holding a 24-11 record and sole possession of first place in the National League West, the potential loss of Hernández, even temporarily, could impact their momentum as they navigate a challenging 10-game road trip. This article explores the details of the injury, Roberts’ comments, and the implications for the Dodgers’ lineup as they await further medical evaluation.
The Injury and Initial Reaction
Teoscar Hernández, 32, was removed from the game against the Marlins after experiencing discomfort while chasing a line drive in the right-center field gap during the third inning. According to Roberts, Hernández felt tightness in both his hamstring and adductor muscles, a combination that led to his precautionary exit. The Dodgers replaced him with Chris Taylor in right field, and the team announced the injury as “left hamstring tightness” during the game. Hernández had already made his presence felt, contributing an RBI double in the first inning and a single in the third, underscoring his critical role in the lineup.
Post-game, Roberts addressed the media, expressing concern about the injury’s severity. “He’s a guy who just doesn’t come out of games by way of injury, so that’s a little concerning given the person,” Roberts said, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. He noted that Hernández is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday, May 6, to determine the extent of the damage, with the team preparing for the possibility of an injured list (IL) stint. To hedge against this scenario, the Dodgers plan to fly a minor league player to Miami as part of the taxi squad, though no specific call-up has been named as of Monday night.
Hernández’s toughness is well-documented, as he rarely leaves games due to injury, making his early exit particularly alarming. “Teoscar is as tough as they come,” Roberts reiterated, echoing sentiments from a previous injury scare in September 2024, when Hernández avoided the IL after a pitch hit his left ankle. The MRI results will be pivotal in determining whether this is a minor issue or a more significant setback for the Dodgers’ cleanup hitter.
Hernández’s Stellar 2025 Season
Hernández has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ offense in 2025, building on his 2024 All-Star campaign that included 33 home runs, 99 RBIs, and a World Series title. Through May 5, 2025, he is slashing .315/.333/.600 with nine home runs, an MLB-leading 34 RBIs, and a .933 OPS, tying teammate Shohei Ohtani for the team lead in homers. His role as the cleanup hitter behind MVPs Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman has made him an elite run producer, with his 10 doubles and consistent power anchoring the lineup. Posts on X have celebrated his impact, with one user noting, “Teoscar Hernandez now leads baseball with 34 RBI 🔥.”
The Dodgers’ success, with the best record in baseball at 24-11, hinges on their star-studded lineup, and Hernández’s contributions have been integral. His departure from the game against the Marlins, a team with only 13 wins, highlighted the potential void his absence could create, especially as the Dodgers face a four-game series against the divisional rival Arizona Diamondbacks to close out their road trip.
Roberts’ Cautious Outlook and Team Preparations
Roberts’ characterization of the injury as “a little concerning” reflects the uncertainty surrounding Hernández’s status. He pinpointed the moment of injury to Hernández’s effort in the third inning, when he broke for a ball hit by Miami’s Javier Sanoja, noting no immediate visual indication of distress but emphasizing the player’s toughness. The decision to schedule an MRI underscores the team’s cautious approach, given Hernández’s history of playing through pain and the critical timing in the season.
The Dodgers are proactively preparing for a potential IL stint by arranging for a minor league call-up. While Roberts did not specify a replacement, candidates like James Outman, who has prior MLB experience, or Andy Pages, who has filled in for Hernández previously, are likely options. The team’s depth has been tested before, with injuries to players like Tommy Edman, who recently joined the IL, and the absence of Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell from the rotation. However, the return of Freddie Freeman and the emergence of rookie Hyeseong Kim provide some flexibility, with Roberts praising Kim’s “fearless play” and chemistry with Ohtani in recent games.
Past Injuries and Resilience
This is not the first time Hernández has faced an injury scare. In September 2024, he was hit by an 80-mph slider on his left ankle by Cleveland Guardians pitcher Matthew Boyd, forcing him to exit a game. Initial concerns suggested an IL stint, but X-rays were negative, and Hernández returned within days, demonstrating his durability. Roberts’ comments at the time, “He’s as tough as they come and could barely move his foot,” mirror his current concern, highlighting Hernández’s reputation for grit.
Hernández’s ability to bounce back from that incident, coupled with his career-low 24.9% strikeout rate in 2021 and consistent power (25+ homers in each of the last five full seasons), underscores his value to the Dodgers. His three-year, $66 million extension signed in December 2024 reflects the team’s confidence in his durability and production, making any potential absence a significant blow.
Fan and Community Reaction
The news of Hernández’s injury has sparked worry among Dodgers fans, with posts on X expressing both concern and hope. “BREAKING: Dave Roberts said Teoscar Hernandez will get an MRI on Tuesday… He said his injury is ‘a little concerning’ for the Dodgers,” wrote @DodgersNation, prompting fans to flood the platform with prayers for a swift recovery. Another user noted, “Teoscar is our clutch hitter. We need him back ASAP!” The sentiment reflects Hernández’s status as a fan favorite, earned through his infectious joy, 2024 Home Run Derby win, and third Silver Slugger award.
The Dodgers’ community has rallied around Hernández, with some fans on X urging the team to prioritize his long-term health over a rushed return. “Dodger Nation will hold its breath for the MRI results,” one post read, capturing the anxiety surrounding the team’s postseason aspirations.
Broader Implications for the Dodgers
The potential loss of Hernández, even for a short period, poses challenges for the Dodgers, who are navigating a grueling road trip and a competitive NL West race. With a four-game series against the Diamondbacks looming, the team’s depth will be tested. Players like Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, or a minor league call-up could fill the outfield void, but none match Hernández’s offensive output or presence in the cleanup spot. The Dodgers’ ability to maintain their lead in the division, especially against rivals like the San Diego Padres, could hinge on how quickly Hernández returns.
The team’s injury woes are not new. In 2024, Mookie Betts missed time with a fractured hand, Max Muncy battled an oblique strain, and pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow faced extended absences. Yet, the Dodgers’ resilience, bolstered by their $353 million payroll and additions like Blake Snell, has kept them atop the league. Roberts’ experience managing injuries, combined with the team’s depth, offers hope, but Hernández’s unique production—leading MLB in RBIs—makes his potential absence a significant concern.
What’s Next?
The results of Hernández’s MRI, expected by May 7, 2025, will determine the next steps. A clean scan could mean a brief rest period, allowing him to return within days, similar to his recovery from a stomach bug in April 2025 that sidelined him for one game. However, a more serious diagnosis, such as a hamstring strain, could lead to a 10- or 15-day IL stint, forcing the Dodgers to adjust their lineup and strategy. Roberts’ cautious tone suggests the team is bracing for the latter, with a taxi squad player ready to join the roster in Miami.
In the meantime, the Dodgers will rely on their star-studded core—Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman—to carry the offensive load, with emerging players like Kim providing a spark. The team’s ability to adapt, as demonstrated in their 7-4 win over the Marlins despite Hernández’s exit, will be crucial as they await clarity on his status.
Conclusion
Dave Roberts’ “concerning” update on Teoscar Hernández’s hamstring injury has cast a shadow over the Dodgers’ otherwise dominant 2025 season. With an MRI scheduled for May 6, the team and its fans anxiously await news on their cleanup hitter, whose .315 average, nine homers, and MLB-leading 34 RBIs have been integral to their 24-11 record. Hernández’s toughness and track record suggest he’ll fight to return quickly, but the Dodgers are preparing for a potential IL stint, highlighting the fragility of even the strongest rosters. As Los Angeles navigates this challenge, the resilience of their star-studded lineup and Roberts’ steady leadership will be tested, with Dodger Nation hoping for a swift recovery for their beloved slugger. The coming days will reveal whether this is a minor hiccup or a significant setback in their quest to repeat as World Series champions.
