Los Angeles / San Juan — A devastating blow has rocked the international baseball community: Los Angeles Dodgers utility player and Puerto Rico native Kiké Hernández has confirmed he will not be able to compete in the 2026 WBC — the prestigious baseball tournament he has long awaited — after undergoing emergency surgery to repair damage to his left elbow.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Hernández said in a low voice and heavy eyes in a new interview.
He had considered the WBC and the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in his home country a big dream — now that dream has suddenly been shattered by the threat of a torn muscle and a torn elbow.
The problem began with a moment of carelessness on the field: in May, on a slide home run, Hernández injured his left elbow. There were signs of pain, but out of a sense of dedication to the team, he continued to play.
That grit continued throughout the 2025 season — despite the pain, despite the constant elbow resistance — and Hernández even played nearly the entire season, serving the Dodgers to the pinnacle of glory with a World Series championship.
But according to doctors, continuing to play at that time completely tore the extensor muscle of his hand, detached from the bone — a serious injury that required surgery, even though it posed a huge risk to his career.
With the 2026 WBC having its first phase held in Puerto Rico, Hernández once envisioned himself walking onto the field with a Boricua flag on his chest — receiving cheers from the home crowd, proud to represent his land.
But now, that hope has to be put on hold. His announcement to Puerto Rican fans was filled with sadness: he had to withdraw from the national team, focus on treatment, recovery — accepting to trade the dream of playing internationally to prioritize health and MLB career.
Many fans called this “a big loss not only for Hernández but for Puerto Rico” — because few understand the pain of missing out on the last chance to wear the national jersey in his life.
After surgery, Hernández is now a free agent with a 1-year contract just ended.
However, experts believe that if he recovers well, he will still be one of the rare and valuable utility players: he can play outside, inside, and even pitch in blowouts — qualities that will help him carry multiple positions in the 2025 season.
However, his decision to not participate in the WBC and undergo surgery could affect his commercial value and interest from other teams — forcing Hernández to prove himself again if he wants to sign a long-term contract.
Kiké Hernández’s story today is not simply about injury or disillusionment. It is a testament to passion, fighting spirit, and love for his homeland, Puerto Rico. A man willing to trade everything — even the opportunity of a lifetime — to play for honor, for the flag, and for the audience.
For many fans, even though he won’t be able to wear Team Puerto Rico’s jersey at the 2026 WBC, the MLB cap and Dodgers jersey still don’t overshadow the image of a warrior — one who is willing to sacrifice and endure pain for his beliefs, for baseball, and for his community.
And in these darkest days, now is the time for Puerto Rican fans, Dodgers fans — and the baseball world — to send a message:
“Kiké — don’t worry, we’ll be waiting for you to come back. The wound will heal; the faith will never fade.”
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