The Los Angeles Dodgers could be getting utility man Kiké Hernandez back by next week, according to manager Dave Roberts.

“I would say getting Kiké back with us some time next week is feasible,” Roberts said.

Hernandez was sidelined by a left elbow sprain in early July, and there was initial concern the fan favorite would not return this season. However, as Hernandez began trending in the right direction, Roberts gave a target date of Sept. 1 for his return.

Now, it appears Hernandez will be back sooner than expected.

Hernandez is on a rehab assignment, and went 2-for-3 in his second game with the Comets Thursday night. He played center field, which could be an indication of the Dodgers’ plans for the fan favorite when he returns.

The Dodgers’ struggles in the outfield will certainly be aided by the return of Hernandez and Tommy Edman, who is expected to return sometime in September.

Hernandez has struggled at the plate this season, hitting .195 with eight home runs, 22 runs batted in, and an OPS of .626. However, the utility man has earned a reputation for coming alive in October.

Hernandez slashed .294/.357/.451 with an OPS of .808 in the post season, and the expectation is that he will have that same type of production when the lights are brightest.

Several position players have been sidelined for LA, including Edman, Hyeseong Kim, and Max Muncy. The good news is reinforcements are coming for the Dodgers as Hernandez will the be the first of the four to return with the others expected back in the coming weeks.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images