The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Zach Neal and Ibandel Isabel to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Ariel Hernandez. With the addition of the Minor League right-handed pitcher, the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is now full.
At one point on Tuesday they had two open spots, as Alec Asher was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers. One was filled with the call-up of Max Muncy from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and now Hernandez takes the other.
The 26-year-old appeared in three games for Double-A Pensacola, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings and converting two saves. He recorded one save and pitched to a 3.24 ERA in 39 combined relief appearances for Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville.
The 2017 season also saw Hernandez make his MLB debut with the Reds. In 19 games across four stints, he sported a 5.18 ERA, with 22 walks and 29 strikeouts in 24.1 innings pitched.
Hernandez has a fastball that can reach triple digits, and a curveball that hits the low-90s, but command has been an issue for him. Hernandez is a career 17-6 with 12 saves and a 3.70 ERA during his Minor League career, which has included time with the San Francisco Giants (2009-15), Arizona Diamondbacks (2016) and Reds (2017-18).
Neal was with the Dodgers during Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He joined the Dodgers during their road series with the Diamondbacks earlier this month, and allowed one run on two hits in one inning.
Neal was designated for assignment April 5, cleared waivers, and was then sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Isabel was in his sixth professional season with the Dodgers organization. The Dominican Republic native went 5-for-21 (.238 batting average) with two doubles, one home run and three RBI in six games with High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
Isabel was named a 2017 California League All-Star. He hit .283/.352/.495 with 58 doubles, 52 home runs and 211 RBI in 326 games over six seasons in the Dodgers farm system.
