Oscar

Hernandez

Hernandez cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will remain in the organization.

The move clears the way for Cam Gallagher’s return. Hernandez will likely clear waivers.

Hernandez was inked to a minor league deal earlier this month and has made the Opening Day roster as the Royals’ third catcher.

Hernandez was released by the Cardinals on June 1 after going hitless in six at-bats during Grapefruit League play. He’ll serve as depth behind the plate for Kansas City during the shortened 2020 season.

Hernandez was in Cardinals camp this spring on a non-guaranteed minor league contract and went 0-for-6 with one strikeout during Grapefruit League play. The 26-year-old likely would have been ticketed for Triple-A Memphis, but it appears that there will be no form of a Triple-A season in 2020.

The light-hitting Hernandez (.192/.258/.355 in Triple-A last year) takes over as the third catcher on the Cardinals depth chart for now, though it’s still quite possible that the team will sign a veteran backup to Yadier Molina, allowing Andrew Knizner to play regularly in Triple-A. If that happens, Hernandez will back up Knizner.

Hernandez cleared waivers after getting designated for assignment by Boston on Tuesday. The 25-year-old catcher owns a career .167/.239/.262 batting line in 47 major league plate appearances.

The move clears a spot for the newly-promoted Trevor Kelley. The 25-year-old Hernandez was hitting just .161/.225/.237 through 105 plate appearances in the minors this year.

With Sandy Leon set to return from the paternity leave list on Monday, Hernandez’s services were no longer needed. He’ll continue to provide depth for the Red Sox at Triple-A.

Hernandez will be up for a couple days while Sandy Leon is on paternity leave. He hasn’t played in the majors since 2016.