Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder Teoscar Hernandez returned from the injured list on Monday ahead of their three-game homestand against Arizona.

On Monday evening, Hernandez found himself in the Dodgers’ starting lineup, positioned fifth in the batting order and playing right field.

To create space for Hernandez on the roster, outfielder James Outman was reassigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Hernandez began strong, batting .315 with nine home runs and an NL-leading 34 RBIs across his initial 33 games. However, he sustained a left groin injury during the Dodgers’ match on May 5 against Miami and was subsequently put on the 10-day injured list the next day.

During Hernandez’s absence, Los Angeles had a record of 5-7 and recently faced a tough three-game sweep courtesy of their intra-city rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. Currently standing at 29-18, the Dodgers hold a narrow one-game lead atop the NL West division ahead of both San Diego and San Francisco.

Following his All-Star recognition and contribution to the Dodgers’ victory in the 2024 World Series, Hernandez turned into a free agent. However, he decided to rejoin the team on a three-year contract worth $66 million overall.

The Dodgers’ lineup could get a lift from Hernandez’s comeback; however, concerns remain about their pitching staff as starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki are all currently sidelined due to injuries.

Outman had a batting average of just .125 along with two home runs and four RBIs when he filled in as the Dodgers’ star player.

–Field Level Media