The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with significant pitching struggles, highlighted by Matt Sauer, a 26-year-old journeyman, who threw 111 pitches in a recent game against the San Diego Padres, a career high. In a rare move, Enrique Hernandez, a utility player, pitched the final outs, reflecting the Dodgers' depth issues. The anticipation around Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound is growing as he ramps up his simulated pitching, but the team remains cautious, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate needs.

Ohtani's impressive offensive stats, including leading the majors in homers and ranking high in OPS and batting average, make his dual role critical for the team. However, his pitching recovery has seen a decline in his base-stealing rates as he focuses on rehab. Dodgers management emphasizes the need for patience in Ohtani's recovery, indicating that his return as a pitcher may not happen until he's fully prepared. Meanwhile, the team has employed a large number of pitchers this season due to injuries, marking a challenging period for the Dodgers.

As Week 2 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, it's time to assess waiver wire opportunities for infielders. Rhys Hoskins, currently with the Milwaukee Brewers, offers a promising option with a favorable schedule featuring hitter-friendly venues like Coors Field. Meanwhile, Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres, despite a slow start, could capitalize on a strong team batting average and favorable matchups.

For deeper leagues, Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox has shown potential with a solid start, while Enrique Hernandez, serving as a versatile option in the Dodgers lineup, could break out. In the deepest leagues, keep an eye on Carlos Santana, who’s been locked in the cleanup spot for the Guardians, and Geraldo Perdomo from the Diamondbacks, who is off to a hot start with an opportunity for more playing time.

Enrique Hernández is set to rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers as a super-utility player, pending a physical exam. At 33, this marks his fourth tenure with the team, highlighting his value in both versatility and team dynamics, particularly during October performances.

With a regular season slash line of .238/.308/.405, Hernández's postseason numbers are notably impressive at .278/.353/.522, including an .808 OPS during last year's championship run. His expected roles will likely focus on second base and center field, especially against left-handed pitching, bolstered by the Dodgers' recent roster enhancements.

In addition to Hernández, the Dodgers are anticipated to welcome back ace Clayton Kershaw later this season after surgeries on his knee and foot.

Los Angeles Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández has created a buzz with his recent social media post, hinting at a potential return to the team. Hernández, a World Series champion, expressed his desire to rejoin the Dodgers, stating, 'I would love to be back.' His enthusiasm follows positive remarks from Dodgers' President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, who assured fans that the door remains open for Hernández. General Manager Brandon Gomes supported this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a mutual fit for Hernández and his family.

Hernández's eagerness to don the Dodgers uniform again is clear, as he looks forward to a strong season bolstered by the team's new pitching acquisitions. Teammates Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Banda have publicly supported his return, further solidifying his standing with the club. Speculation intensifies around whether this offseason will indeed yield the ideal scenario for both Hernández and the Dodgers.

Roki Sasaki, the star Japanese right-hander, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, confirming their status as frontrunners for his services. Sasaki's potential shines through as he boasts ace-caliber talent, all while being classified as an international amateur free agent due to his age of only 23. This status allows him to sign a minor-league contract, making him a bargain for the Dodgers with an expected league minimum salary in 2025. His remarkable skills include elite velocity and a devastating splitter, although injuries have limited his starts in recent seasons.

This signing caps off a busy offseason for the Dodgers, who have also added notable players such as Blake Snell, Michael Conforto, and Hyeseong Kim, alongside re-signing Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen. As the reigning World Series champions, the Dodgers are expected to continue bolstering their roster, with key tasks like re-signing Clayton Kershaw, who is poised to pitch in 2025, and possibly bringing back super utility player Enrique Hernández, who remains a free agent.