D-backs Trade Report: Diamondbacks Acquire RHP David Hernandez From Angels (UPDATE)
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced earlier today that they acquired infielder Adam Rosales from the Oakland Athletics and now they have reportedly acquired RHP reliever David Hernandez from the Los Angeles Angels.
David Hernandez traded to the Diamondbacks.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 31, 2017
RHP Luis Madero is prospect D-Backs traded for David Hernandez.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 31, 2017
In exchange for Hernandez the D-backs reportedly will send RHP Luis Madero to the Angels. Madero is 20 years old and has played in four games for low-A Hillsboro in 2017. He was a fringe prospect at best.
Hernandez was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round of the 2005 draft. He was ranked as the Orioles #15 prospect in 2007. He offers a three-pitch repetoire with a mid-90s fastball that he throws around 65% of the time and a plus-slider that comes in around 82 mph. He will use the fastball to set up the slider.
Hernandez is a much-needed bullpen piece that helps to solidify the D-backs relief corps. He has a career 3.97 ERA, including a 2.23 ERA over 38 games in 2017. What’s even more intriguing about Hernandez is his 1.85 FIP, which suggests that he’s been even better that his already low ERA.
He was a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2011 through 2015.
UPDATE:
In a corresponding move, the D-backs have transferred Nick Ahmed to the 60-day DL as of June 28.
