The Los Angeles Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves on July 7, 2025, placing veteran utility man Enrique Hernandez on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation — a setback for a player who’s been one of their most versatile assets this season. At the same time, they recalled Julian Fernandez, a 29-year-old right-hander with a winding, nearly forgotten career path, and announced that Tyler Glasnow would return from the 60-day IL to start Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The moves came amid a brutal three-game sweep by the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium, where Hernandez’s discomfort became impossible to ignore.
Elbow Trouble for a Versatile Staple
Hernandez, 33, has been the Dodgers’ Swiss Army knife since 2021 — playing every position except catcher and pitcher. This year, he’s appeared in 71 games at first, second, third, center, left, and DH. But his bat has gone cold: .195 average, eight homers, 22 RBIs. He played through pain on Friday and Saturday, but didn’t take the field Sunday. Manager Dave Roberts said the inflammation was caught early, and while it’s not a tear, it’s enough to shut him down for at least two weeks. "He’s been grinding," Roberts said. "But we can’t afford to risk a longer-term issue with the stretch run coming." The Dodgers have already lost Max Muncy to an oblique strain in August, and now Hernandez joins him on the shelf — leaving a gaping hole in their lineup flexibility.The Unlikely Return of Julian Fernandez
Enter Julian Fernandez. A Dominican native from Bosta Chica, Fernandez signed with the Colorado Rockies as a 17-year-old in 2012. His career has been a series of near-misses: UCL sprain with the Giants in 2017, two stints on the 60-day IL with the Marlins, a brief MLB debut with Colorado in 2021, then a 10.61 ERA in Triple-A Buffalo in 2023 before being released. He spent 2024 pitching in Mexico’s Veracruz league — a far cry from the majors. But in December 2024, the Dodgers took a low-risk flier on him with a minor league deal.He dominated Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025: 3-0, four saves, 3.05 ERA, 28.7% strikeout rate in 41.1 innings. So when the bullpen needed a fresh arm after a five-game losing streak, they called him up — and added him to the 40-man roster by designating CJ Alexander for assignment. Fernandez pitched two innings against Milwaukee on July 7, allowing two earned runs. It wasn’t dazzling, but it was clean enough to earn a brief stay. He was optioned back to Triple-A on July 8 after the Dodgers recalled reliever Alexis Díaz.
A Rollercoaster Journey Continues
Fernandez’s story didn’t end there. On August 15, 2025, after Max Muncy’s oblique strain forced another roster shuffle, the Dodgers DFA’d Fernandez to make room for utility infielder Buddy Kennedy. Two days later, the Washington Nationals claimed him off waivers. With their bullpen gutted after trading away closer Kyle Finnegan, the Nationals saw potential. They recalled Fernandez on September 23, 2025 — his second MLB stint. He appeared in five games for Washington, allowing five runs over 5.2 innings, but showed enough command to remain on their 40-man roster heading into 2026.By October, he was back in the Dominican Republic, pitching for Estrellas Orientales in the winter league. His career stats? 3-0, 4.08 ERA, 32 strikeouts in 28.2 MLB innings. Not elite. But for a guy who nearly quit baseball after three organizations passed on him, it’s a miracle he’s still here.
What This Means for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are still in the thick of the NL West race, but their depth is being tested. Hernandez’s absence forces Mookie Betts and Taylor Ward to cover more ground defensively, while pushing younger players like James Outman — recalled the same day as Fernandez — into bigger roles. Glasnow’s return is the big lift: the 2021 All-Star has been sidelined since April with shoulder inflammation. If he regains his 2023 form (11.5 K/9, 2.45 ERA), he could be the missing piece in October.As for Fernandez? He’s become a symbol of resilience. He’s not a star. He’s not even a regular. But in an era where teams chase high-velocity flamethrowers and advanced metrics, Fernandez’s survival — through injuries, releases, and obscurity — speaks to something deeper. He didn’t give up. And sometimes, that’s enough to earn another shot.
What’s Next?
Hernandez is expected to begin a rehab assignment in mid-July. The Dodgers will monitor his elbow closely before bringing him back — no rush. Glasnow’s first start back will be closely watched by analytics teams across the league; his fastball velocity is down 1.8 mph from 2023, but his spin rate remains elite. As for Fernandez? He’s now under contract with Washington through 2026, and with the Nationals rebuilding, he could be a dark horse candidate for a middle-relief role next season. His journey isn’t over. Not by a long shot.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Dodgers designate CJ Alexander for assignment to make room for Julian Fernandez?
The Dodgers needed to add Fernandez to their 40-man roster, and Alexander — claimed off waivers from the Yankees just a week earlier — had yet to appear in a major league game for Los Angeles. With Fernandez performing well in Triple-A and the bullpen needing depth, Alexander became the expendable piece. Alexander was later claimed by the Cincinnati Reds.
How significant is Enrique Hernandez’s elbow injury for the Dodgers’ postseason chances?
Hernandez’s absence is a major blow. He’s the team’s most flexible bat and defender, often used as a late-inning pinch-hitter or defensive replacement. With Muncy also out, the Dodgers lose two key bench contributors. Manager Dave Roberts has been forced to rely more on younger players like James Outman and Gavin Lux, which could strain depth if injuries mount during a tight playoff race.
What makes Julian Fernandez’s career path so unusual?
Fernandez has been claimed by four MLB organizations — Rockies, Giants, Marlins, Dodgers — and spent time in the Mexican League, yet never pitched in the majors for three of them. He’s been on the 60-day IL twice, released twice, and didn’t play at all in 2024. His return to the majors after all that is rare. Few players survive that many organizational changes and injuries without disappearing from the game entirely.
Is Tyler Glasnow expected to be the same pitcher he was before his injury?
His fastball velocity has dipped slightly, but his spin efficiency and slider command remain elite. The Dodgers believe his shoulder inflammation was caught early, and his rehab has been meticulous. If he can maintain his 2023 strikeout rate (11.5 K/9), he’ll be a game-changer in the postseason. He’s not just returning — he’s being counted on as a potential ace in October.
What’s next for Julian Fernandez after being claimed by the Washington Nationals?
With the Nationals in full rebuild mode and their bullpen depleted after trading Kyle Finnegan, Fernandez is now a low-risk, high-upside option for middle innings. He’s under contract through 2026 and could compete for a long-term bullpen spot if he continues to limit walks and maintain his strikeout rate. His winter league experience in the Dominican Republic keeps him sharp heading into spring training.
