Dodgers Dealing with Injuries, Roster Moves Ahead of Freddie Freeman Paternity Leave

Blake Treinen hit in head by batted ball, Kiké Hernández nearing return from elbow surgery

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:59pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, conveying the chaotic nature of the Dodgers' recent personnel issues.A cubist interpretation of the Dodgers' latest injury and roster challenges, with players and the field deconstructed into angular shapes.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a 4-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, but the bigger news surrounded injuries and roster moves. Reliever Blake Treinen was hit in the head by a batted ball during batting practice, though he said he was okay. Manager Dave Roberts hinted at an upcoming roster move, likely related to the impending paternity leave for star first baseman Freddie Freeman. Meanwhile, utility player Kiké Hernández provided a positive update on his recovery from elbow surgery, targeting a return in late May.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are off to a strong 16-5 start, but they'll need to navigate some key personnel changes in the coming weeks. Treinen's health scare and Hernández's recovery timeline are important developments for the team's pitching depth and versatility. Any roster moves to cover for Freeman's paternity leave will also be crucial, as the Dodgers look to maintain their early-season momentum.

The details

In Saturday's loss, the Dodgers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a first-inning home run by Kyle Tucker and a second-inning blast from Dalton Rushing. However, the Rockies rallied to take a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning. Prior to the game, there was a scary moment when reliever Blake Treinen was struck in the head by a batted ball during batting practice. Treinen said he was okay after the incident. Manager Dave Roberts also hinted at an upcoming roster move, though he didn't provide specifics. It's believed the move could be related to the impending paternity leave for star first baseman Freddie Freeman. In more positive news, utility player Kiké Hernández provided an upbeat update on his recovery from elbow surgery, targeting a return around May 25th if his rehab continues to progress well.

  • On April 18, 2026, Blake Treinen was struck in the head by a batted ball during batting practice.
  • The Dodgers are set to be without Freddie Freeman for an upcoming paternity leave.

The players

Blake Treinen

A right-handed relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was struck in the head by a batted ball during batting practice.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who hinted at an upcoming roster move, likely related to Freddie Freeman's paternity leave.

Freddie Freeman

The star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers who will be going on paternity leave in the near future.

Kiké Hernández

A utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who provided a positive update on his recovery from elbow surgery, targeting a return in late May.

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What they’re saying

“Feeling great, man. We're really ahead of schedule, which is a good thing. Left elbow surgery, they put me on the 60-day [injured list], so I've still got to wait. I am eligible to come off on the 24th [of May], but chances are I'm going to be active on the 25th if everything goes well, according to plan the rest of the way, rehab assignment.”

— Kiké Hernández

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.