Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez Played Through Injury in 2025

Hernandez's production dipped in his second year with the team, possibly due to a lingering groin issue.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez had a down year in 2025, hitting .247 with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs after a strong debut season in 2024. According to a report, Hernandez was playing through a groin injury that season, which may have contributed to his decreased production.

Why it matters

Hernandez is a key part of the Dodgers' lineup, and his health and performance are crucial to the team's chances of winning a third straight World Series title. Understanding the reasons behind his 2025 slump could help the team and fans better contextualize his struggles and expectations for the upcoming season.

The details

Hernandez told The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya that he "wasn't moving the way I know I can move" due to a groin injury that caused him to miss two weeks in May 2025. He "never really felt right" after that, the report said. Hernandez used the offseason to get healthy again, losing 10 pounds and returning to his usual 204-pound playing weight.

  • Hernandez missed two weeks in May 2025 due to the groin injury.
  • Hernandez is entering the second year of a three-year, $66 million contract with the Dodgers.

The players

Teoscar Hernandez

A 33-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who had a down year in 2025 after a strong debut season with the team in 2024.

Fabian Ardaya

A reporter for The Athletic who interviewed Hernandez about his injury and its impact on his 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't moving the way I know I can move,”

— Teoscar Hernandez (The Athletic)

What’s next

Hernandez is looking to bounce back in 2026 and help the Dodgers win their third straight World Series title.

The takeaway

Hernandez's struggles in 2025 were likely due to a lingering groin injury, which he has since addressed in the offseason. If he can stay healthy, the Dodgers expect him to return to the form he showed in his debut 2024 season and be a key contributor to their championship aspirations.