Arnaldo

Hernandez

Hernandez has mostly floated around independent and foreign leagues over the last couple of seasons. The 25-year-old former Royals prospect will function as organizational pitching depth for Milwaukee in 2022.

Hernandez cleared waivers after being designated for assignment ahead of last week’s Rule 5 Draft protection deadline. The 23-year-old had a 5.60 ERA in 128 2/3 innings this summer between Double-A and Triple-A.

Hernandez, 23, really struggled for Triple-A Omaha this year with a 6.39 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 105 2/3 innings. He’ll likely pitch at that level next year if he doesn’t elect free agency.

Hernandez has been knocked around for five runs over 5 2/3 innings this spring. He’ll be part of Omaha’s rotation.

All of the damage against him came via the long ball, with A.J. Pollock launching a two-run bomb in the first inning and Joc Pederson tacking on a solo shot in the second. Hernandez was already an extreme long-shot to crack the Opening Day rotation in Kansas City, but his 7.94 ERA this spring isn’t doing him any favors.

Hernandez is now protected from being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. The 22-year-old earned the promotion after posting a 3.96 ERA and 105/44 K/BB ratio in 138 2/3 innings over three different levels in the minors this past season.