Los Angeles Dodgers fan favorite and now free agent Kike Hernandez shared some rather difficult news with his fans and his native Puerto Rico. He had recently undergone surgery to repair his elbow extension muscle. This, in turn, has ruled him out of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

He announced it on Instagram, saying, “My people of Puerto Rico, with pain in my soul, I have to let you know that I will not be able to fulfill my dream of playing the clasico in my land! Yesterday, Friday, November 14th, I had to repair my elbow extension muscle as I suffered a tear in Mayo, and continuing to play with the urge to repeat as World Series Champion caused it to break the bone. Rehab won’t allow me to be ready in time to put on my uniform with Puerto Rico on my chest. I hope they understand. I LOVE THEM! 🇵🇷 #00949 #787 In the last picture, you can see how the elbow was in the playoffs.” Hernández expressed the heartbreak of missing the chance to represent his homeland in the tournament.

He even has the photo of his battered elbow during the WS playoffs!

And honestly, his elbow struggles started way back in May, when he suffered an injury during a slide into home plate against the Guardians. But he came back with one motive—to help his team in the World Series.

So Hernandez did everything in his power, from relying on cortisone shots, PRP treatments, and sheer grit to stay on the field. But eventually the stress on the elbow just caught up to him, and he had to get the surgery done. He had even broken the bone, and so had no choice. Now his fans are rallying up with well-wishes and messages of support.

Because if you look at a picture of his battered elbow, you will know how painful it might have been to play in the scenario. He has been in and out of the injured list and still helped his team in full capacity—and the fans couldn’t be more thankful for his impact.

Los Angeles Dodgers fans pray for their October champs’ quick recovery!

In this latest news, a fan expressed, “You are a horse, brother; my respects always. 🤝” And well, respect from the fanbase is something the Number 8 player has always had. Because his career has been one built on grit and on awesome clutch postseason performances. Hernandez is ready to go above and beyond for his team, and fans acknowledge it. This year, for example, he has embodied what is called “hustle” for the team, playing every position on the field—from games at first, second, third, shortstop, left field, and center field. That’s the versatility he brings to the team.

Speedy recovery!!!” said a fan, and honestly, the Kike legend wasn’t born now but maybe in 2017—in the NLCS game 5. That night, Hernandez exploded for three homers and seven RBIs. He helped the LA Dodgers crush the Cubs 11-1 in Chicago. From a leadoff solo shot to a bases-loaded grand slam on the edge of the World Series, you know why people call him October Kike. Now, fans are only hoping the veteran comes back just as strong.

“Prayers for a speedy and full recovery, Champ 🙏🏼👊🏼🔥,” said a fan. And it is honestly no surprise that the fans simply love him, not just for his on-field heroics but because of his humble nature. Heading into October, he was about to surpass Justin Turner in most postseason games played as a Dodger. But he was simply not paying any heed to the bells and whistles going on about it. He had one focus, which he said was “winning.” They did it, and now he is officially the 10th all-time in MLB history, having played 96 postseason games.

Letting the disappointment sink in, a user said, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.” Of course, his countrymen wanted him to play in the WBC, just like many stars are representing their own countries. But sacrificing health has brought him to the level where he broke a bone and made the situation worse. So, unless the fans want him to miss the opening day come spring, maybe his getting ample rest is crucial. Not to mention, he is already 34 years old!

Acknowledging all the effort, a fan said, “You played where it mattered the most! Goat things.” And well, the Dodgers did win back-to-back World Series, which has not been seen since the Yankee time. So, yes, he performed with the team when they needed him most. And all this while he has been supporting the team, his support has been Vicente’s – his wife. She cheered for her husband all along, even seen with their daughter Penelope in customer outfits and adorning her dad’s jersey number!