The Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves on Monday, and the biggest one for the bullpen was the return of Jonathan Hernández while Wyatt Mills was designated for assignment.
Mills had just been recalled on Saturday after the Dodgers designated Cole Irvin for assignment, but his stay was brief. He worked two innings on Sunday and gave up one run on two hits, striking out one and walking two.
His numbers at the big-league level this year are modest: 6.1 innings, a 5.68 ERA, a 2.21 WHIP and five strikeouts. In Triple-A with the OKC Comets, though, he’s been far more effective, posting a 2.41 ERA across 37.1 innings.
A claim on Mills seems unlikely, which could allow him to remain in the Dodgers organization and continue in Triple-A. He’s been one of several arms the club has moved back and forth between the majors and minors this season.
Hernández is back for a second run with Los Angeles after first signing with the team on May 18. He was designated for assignment on June 30, then chose to stay in the organization rather than take his chances elsewhere.
His first look with the Dodgers was rough. In 12 appearances, he logged an 8.15 ERA, a 6.38 FIP and a 1.76 WHIP. Across Triple-A this season, he has a 5.24 ERA in 22.1 innings.
Before joining the Dodgers, Hernández had a 4.80 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 13 appearances for Lehigh Valley, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate. He also posted a 6.14 ERA in 7.1 innings with the Oklahoma City Comets.
The Dodgers view him as a usable arm who can soak up innings when needed, even if the stay doesn’t figure to be long. He also gives the club another option to designate later when they need room on the 40-man roster for players currently on the 60-day injured list.
The 30-year-old has also spent time in the majors with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. Earlier this year, he started in the Phillies organization, but after not getting a big-league opportunity there, he opted out of his Minor League deal and became a free agent.
Hernández wore No. 29 in his previous Dodgers stint, but that number is now taken by Tarik Skubal. He’ll wear No. 26 this time.
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