Red Sox designate Darwinzon Hernandez for assignment
The Boston Red Sox made another roster move on Friday, this time to make room for new designated hitter Justin Turner. The Red Sox designated left-handed reliever Darwinzon Hernandez for assignment.
The once promising Red Sox prospect becomes the latest former top prospect that has been jettisoned from the 40-man roster. Hernandez was once the Red Sox No. 4 overall prospect back in 2019. Since then, he’s showing glimpses of promise but has struggled to harness his electric stuff.
The 26-year-old only saw seven games in the majors last season. Hernandez posted a 21.60 ERA in 6 2/3 innings while walking eight and striking out nine.
The Venezuelan native also struggled with Triple-A Worcester last season. Hernandez pitched in 23 games, starting seven, he posted a 5.73 ERA, walking 27 batters and striking out 51 in. 33 innings.
In 91 career games, he owns a 5.06 ERA in 85 1/3 innings while striking out 133 batters.
The left-hander has a three pitch arsenal that features a four-seam fastball, slider and curveball. Hernandez used his fastball 61% of the time last season. Opponents feasted off his fastball hitting .357 with a .331 XBA, they also crushed his slider hitting .643 when he threw that pitch 25.8% of the time last season.
His fastball and slider are considered plus pitches but he struggles with command on the mound. Teams will have the chance to trade for Hernandez while he is on waivers. If a club can harness his command, the lefty could be a viable asset to their bullpen in the future.
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