Atlanta Braves Sign David Hernandez To Minor-League Deal

The Atlanta Braves Add Hernandez Days After Giants Released Him.

The Atlanta Braves announced on Sunday that they have signed the veteran reliever to a minor-league deal. David Hernandez was on another minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants before they released him on Friday.

Braves have agreed to terms with RH reliever David Hernandez on a non-roster contract. He will be in camp tomorrow & will wear number 30.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 26, 2017

This adds competition to what is already a competitive group fighting for bullpen spots to start the season. The bullpen competition for Opening Day already has Jim Johnson, Arodys Vizcaino, Mauricio Cabrera, Ian Krol, Paco Rodriguez, Eric O’Flaherty, Jose Ramirez, Chaz Roe, Joel De La Cruz, and Josh Collmenter.

One more arm now in #Braves camp to compete for final bullpen spot(s). https://t.co/JBtEH6I33S
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 26, 2017

31-year-old Hernandez has a career ERA of 4.10, pitching 487 innings in 379 games while striking out 494 batters. The California right-hand pitcher is a former 16th round pick, getting drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2005. He made his debut in 2009 before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in December of 2010.

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In 2014, Hernandez underwent Tommy John Surgery and missed the entire season. He returned the following season and produced a 4.28 in 33.2 inning for his final season with the Diamondbacks. He went on to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies and produced a 3.84 in 72.2 innings.

Hernandez has a fastball that can reach 95 MPH and also features a slider and a change-up as part of his arsenal. He has also used a cutter that can reach 89 MPH.

According to CSN Bay Area, Hernandez had requested a release as the Giants had informed him that he would not make the main roster.

"“Hernandez was told he would not make the opening day roster. He requested an early release so he could pursue opportunities elsewhere.”"

With just one week left before the season starts, there is a good chance Hernandez gets added to the Braves roster. With Cabrera having elbow soreness and possibly starting the season on the DL, Hernandez could slide in as a veteran option. Hernandez is known for his high strikeout rate and his pitches induces a lot of fly-balls.

I probably prefer him over De La Cruz or Collmenter even though De La Cruz have had a strong spring. If I had to make a guess, I think the bullpen will be Johnson, Vizcaino, Krol, O’Flaherty, Rodriguez, Roe and either Ramirez, De La Cruz or Hernandez.

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However, like what he did with the Giants, if the Braves don’t keep him for Opening Day, Hernandez might bounce to find another team.

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