Washington Nationals Schedule Conflict Forces July 23 Visit
The upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., addresses a logistical hurdle the team faced earlier this spring. When the Dodgers played a series against the Washington Nationals in April, the game schedule did not allow for a visit to the White House. With no other games scheduled in the nation’s capital for the remainder of the 2026 season, the organization found a window to visit during an off-day between series in Philadelphia and New York, according to reports from the California Post.
The Dodgers confirmed the visit in a statement, noting that the event follows the tradition of previous World Series champions. “As was the case one year ago, the Dodgers’ upcoming visits to the White House and Capitol Hill follow the longtime tradition of visits by other World Series champions,” the team said. “We appreciate these tributes in recognition of our back-to-back championships,” as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Kiké Hernández Refuses Presidential Ceremony Attendance
Kiké Hernández, a utility player who has been a central part of the team’s postseason success, appears unlikely to join his teammates for the ceremony. In a social media exchange captured in a screenshot, a fan asked Hernández not to attend, to which he replied, “I’m not,” according to the California Post.
Hernández’s potential absence follows his participation in last year’s visit, an experience he described in an April 2025 interview with Cultura Sports as making the whole experience sound painfully boring. Hernández explained at the time that he attended primarily to avoid upsetting people and turning the choice into a season-long conversation. “I didn’t talk to him, but I wasn’t really interested in talking to him anyway,” Hernández said, referencing President Donald Trump.
The player has been vocal about his values in the past. During the 2025 season, following reports of ICE raids that affected the Los Angeles community, Hernández wrote on Instagram:
“Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love. This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”Kiké Hernández, via Los Angeles Times
Dave Roberts Defends Traditional Protocol Despite Criticisms
The decision to visit the White House has drawn criticism from some fans and local observers, particularly given the political climate. The Los Angeles Times noted that the organization’s choice to honor the visit contrasts with its efforts to foster inclusivity, such as the team’s Pride Night events. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, however, has maintained that the visits are rooted in tradition rather than partisan politics.
“I was raised — by a man who served our country for 30 years — to respect the highest office in our country. For me, it doesn’t matter who is in the office, I’m going to go to the White House,” Roberts told the Los Angeles Times in February.
Elbow and Oblique Injuries Limit Hernández Playing Time
While the team prepares for the July 23 visit, Hernández continues to work toward a return to the field. He has appeared in only two games this season while recovering from an offseason elbow procedure and an oblique injury.
Hernández, who signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract, remains a key clubhouse presence.
Find more reporting in our Sport news section.
