Jonathan Hernández was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of June and had the option of refusing a Minor League assignment in favor of becoming a free agent after clearing waivers.
The right-hander was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City and has decided to stay with the organization rather than reach the open market, per Comets broadcaster Alex Freedman.
Jonathan Hernández, who was recently DFA and outrighted by the #Dodgers, has decided to stay with the organization and has joined OKC today.
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) July 5, 2026
Hernández was designated for assignment as the corresponding move to the Dodgers recalling Wyatt Mills from Oklahoma City. Mills’ latest stint with L.A. lasted all of one day as he has since been optioned back to the Comets.
As for Hernández, he struggled to the tune of an 8.15 ERA, 6.38 FIP and 1.76 WHIP over 12 appearances with the Dodgers prior to his DFA. He was signed by L.A. in the middle of May after opting out of a Minor League contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Hernández went 1-0 with one save, a 4.80 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 13 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley before choosing to become a free agent. He also has previous MLB experience with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners.
Hernández will now serve as valuable depth for the Comets and could potentially rejoin the Dodgers later in the season if an injury occurs. However, that would require the 30-year-old getting added back to the team’s 40-man roster, which could be an impediment as another player would have to lose his spot.
Dodgers bullpen outlook
The Dodgers bullpen should be getting some reinforcements soon with Evan Phillips expected to be activated off the 60-day injured list before Monday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies.
Edwin Díaz also remains on track to return sometime after the All-Star break, while Blake Treinen and Ben Casparious are expected to eventually rejoin the Dodgers as well.
Meanwhile, Brusdar Graterol is likely to miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing back surgery. He suffered the injury while in the middle of a rehab assignment at the start of May and hasn’t pitched for the Dodgers since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.
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