Dodgers Manager Provides Concerning Update on Absent Star

Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50), third baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) wait in the outfield for a pitching change during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on utility man Kiké Hernández —who is out for Opening Day — ahead of the home opener against the Detroit Tigers.

Read more: Dodgers Fan Favorite Out for Opening Day for Unfortunate Reason

Dave Roberts said Kiké Hernández is struggling to keep food down and vomiting. They’re hoping it’s not what Mookie Betts was dealing with but Roberts said he’s not concerned that anything is going around.

Roberts said it’s TBD if Kiké Hernández will even be at the park today.

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Hernández is struggling to keep food down and vomiting, but Roberts does not think it's related to the illness Mookie Betts was dealing with.

"We felt it would have happened earlier,” Roberts said.

The fan favorite might not even be in attendance for the Dodgers' home opener because of the illness.

The hope is that Hernández is not dealing with the same illness Betts had, especially since that sidelined the Dodgers superstar for weeks. Betts lost nearly 20 pounds because of the stomach aggravation, and could not hold down solid foods.

“So looks like I’m just going to be light for a little bit,” Betts said. “Maybe I play uphill a little bit for the beginning of the season. But I just want to play, man. I’m tired of sitting, tired of just throwing up, tired of doing all this. I just really just want to play.”

More news: Dodgers Acquire Pitcher From Red Sox in Last-Minute Trade Before Opening Day

Now, Hernández is battling a similar illness, but it remains unclear if it is linked to Betts.

The Dodgers would likely have penciled in Hernández as the starting second baseman for Thursday's matchup against left-hander Tarik Skubal, but Miguel Rojas will get the start instead.

Hernández played in both games of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs as well as all three games of the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels.

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.