Jonathan Hernández is putting the Rangers in an undesirable situation, one they would prefer he reserve for opposing hitters. His pitching arsenal suggests he’s capable of doing so, provided he can consistently locate the strike zone.
However, for the second consecutive game, Hernández struggled with control, as evidenced by his multiple walks in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Colorado. Called upon in the eighth inning to preserve a one-run deficit, Hernández issued walks to three consecutive batters, ultimately allowing the lone inherited runner to score.
Over his recent two appearances, Hernández has issued eight walks out of the 12 batters he has faced. Across six innings this season, he has permitted a total of nine walks.
Since his return from elbow surgery in 2022, he has maintained an average of 5.4 walks per nine innings. These high walk rates prevent him from being considered a reliable option in high-pressure situations in the bullpen, despite possessing a fastball that reaches the upper 90s.
“The stuff is effective at the major league level,” manager Bruce Bochy remarked. “That sinking fastball and slider are effective. However, he needs to consistently throw strikes. At times, he can be his own worst enemy.”
On two occasions during the final days of the road trip, Bochy specifically mentioned a group of relievers in the bullpen, which included Hernández, Owen White, Cole Winn, and Yerry Rodriguez. He expressed a desire for one of them to step up and seize a more prominent role. With long reliever José Ureña currently occupied in the rotation and Josh Sborz on the injured list, the Rangers are in need of pitchers to bridge the gap between the middle innings and the late-inning duo of David Robertson and Kirby Yates.
The collective performance of the quartet this season has resulted in an 8.23 ERA over 27.1 innings. White struggled in his sole outing in Oakland, failing to retire a batter, while Winn has faced recent difficulties. Rodriguez surrendered the game-winning hit on Friday in a tied game. Altogether, they have issued 20 walks and conceded six home runs.
Among them, Hernández, aged 27, boasts the most experience. He is also the sole member not eligible for minor league options. Consequently, should the Rangers decide to explore other alternatives, they may need to expose him to waivers before demoting him to the minors. Presently, the only reliever listed on the 40-man roster is left-hander Antoine Kelly, who has recently returned from the injured list at Triple-A Round Rock. Thus, the organization’s bullpen depth is currently limited.
When a manager calls for a player to step up, it’s typically more than just a simple request; it’s a directive. The message is clear: either rise to the occasion or make way for someone who can.