The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with multiple injuries in their pitching staff and it’s resulted in the team making recent additions.
On Sunday, the Dodgers acquired Eric Lauer via trade with the Toronto Blue Jays after he had been designated for assignment. The Blue Jays received cash considerations in exchange for the left-hander.
The Dodgers hope to add Lauer to their active roster during the series against the San Diego Padres, and are planning to utilize him out of the bullpen.
Jonathan Hernández signs with Dodgers
That trade now is being followed by the Dodgers’ signing of Jonathan Hernández. His arrival was announced just under two hours before first pitch at Petco Park on Monday.
Chayce McDermott was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in order for Hernández to join the bullpen. The Dodgers additionally transferred Ben Casparius to the 60-day injured list to make room on their 40-man roster.
McDermott made his Dodgers debut in the finale of the Freeway Series and pitched a scoreless ninth inning to finish out the sweep. Casparius has been on the injured list since April 13.
Hernández became a free agent after opting out of his Minor League contract with the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend. He had joined the Phillies on a Minor League deal back in January.
The right-hander went 1-0 with one save, a 4.80 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 13 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The 29-year-old has prior MLB experience with the Texas Rangers (2019-20, 2022-24) and Seattle Mariners (2024). The 2024 season represents the last time Hernández reached the Major Leagues.
Over his combined time with the Rangers and Mariners that year, Hernández finished 3-1 with a 5.40 ERA, 5.17 FIP and 1.59 WHIP across 29 games (one start).
During his Major League career, Hernández is 13-8 with four saves, a 4.29 ERA, 4.45 FIP and 1.44 WHIP in 127 games (three starts). He missed the 2021 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery that was completed in April of that year.
Hernández began his professional career by signing with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
Why did the Dodgers sign Jonathan Hernández?
Hernández provides the team with another bullpen option as they are currently without Edwin Díaz, Brock Stewart and Jack Dreyer.
Each of the three relief pitchers are expected to return at various points this season, but Brusdar Graterol’s outlook changed in the wake of experiencing back trouble during his rehab assignment.
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