Healthy, slimmer Teoscar Hernández 'out to prove something' this season with Dodgers

Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández admits he played through a nagging groin injury last year, but is now back to his normal playing weight.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández reported to spring training this week looking slimmer and healthier after playing through a nagging left groin injury last season. Hernández said he was overweight in 2025 but has since lost weight and is back to his normal playing weight of 204-205 lbs. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects Hernández to bounce back this season and be one of their best run producers, especially with the addition of Kyle Tucker to the lineup.

Why it matters

Hernández's health and productivity are crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to win their third straight World Series title. His decline in power numbers and overall performance last season was partly due to the groin injury, so getting him back to full strength could provide a big boost to the Dodgers' offense.

The details

Hernández admitted he played through a nagging left groin injury last year, which forced him to miss time early in the season. He said he was overweight in 2025 but has since lost weight and is back to his normal playing weight of 204-205 lbs. Hernández's numbers declined from 2024 to 2025, with drops in home runs, RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS. With the Dodgers signing Kyle Tucker this offseason, Hernández will move back to left field after playing right field in 2025.

  • Hernández reported to Camelback Ranch this week for Dodgers spring training.

The players

Teoscar Hernández

A Dodgers left fielder who admitted to playing through a nagging left groin injury last season, which contributed to a decline in his offensive production.

Dave Roberts

The Dodgers manager who expects Hernández to bounce back this season and be one of their best run producers.

Kyle Tucker

A four-time All-Star outfielder who the Dodgers signed to a four-year, $240 million contract this offseason, leading to Hernández moving back to left field.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't get back in my health. When I got back from the injury, I was fighting through it. Obviously, I didn't say anything. I just wanted to be on the field and try to help the team.”

— Teoscar Hernández (latimes.com)

“It's a combination of eating really good or knowing what you're eating, and working a little harder than normal. But, right now I'm feeling really good. Back to the way I used to be. My whole career I used to be 204-205 [lbs.], in that range. Last year, I was a little over [that], but I'm back to normal right now.”

— Teoscar Hernández (latimes.com)

“He's one of our best run producers. And then if you look at this lineup, there should be a lot of guys on base with him up to bat. So, I think that this could be a year where he really drives in a lot of runs. He should drive in a lot of runs this year. I think he's out to prove something, which is good.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (latimes.com)

The takeaway

Hernández's health and return to his normal playing weight are crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to win their third straight World Series title. If he can stay healthy and regain his 2024 form, he could provide a major boost to the Dodgers' potent lineup.