Raul

Fernandez

Fernandez, 23, posted a 6.29 ERA in his first year of full-season ball, but he also struck out 55 over 34 1/3 innings and the Rockies didn’t want to risk losing his big arm in the Rule 5 Draft. He’s obviously not close to making an impact in the majors.

The 24-year-old has a big arm, but has never quite been able to harness it. He owns a 7.45 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 22/7 K/BB ratio over 19 1/3 innings at Double-A this season.

The move clears space on the 40-man roster for the addition of Brooks Brown. Given his 7.00 ERA over 29 High-A appearances, Fernandez should pass through waivers unclaimed.

Fernandez had been designated for assignment last week. He holds a 7.00 ERA over 29 High-A appearances this season, but the righty is a hard-thrower and the Pale Hose thought he was worth gambling on.

Fernandez, 24, had a 4.99 ERA and 40/32 K/BB ratio in 48 2/3 relief innings last season at the High-A level between the Rockies and White Sox. He has a big arm, which is why Chicago claimed him off waivers last July, but clearly he needs to improve his control.

Fernandez, 25, spent the 2015 season in the White Sox organization where he posted a 4.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 45/22 K/BB ratio over 61 1/3 innings at Double-A Birmingham. He adds much-needed bullpen depth to the Twins organization.