Dodgers Add More Pitching Depth Via Former Marlins Veteran

Looking to add general depth to its stable of pitching, the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to terms with a guy searching to revive his career.

Former Miami Marlins pitcher Elieser Hernández signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers, according to reporter Fabian Ardaya.

Hernández was also extended an invitation to spring training.

Dodgers are signing RHP Elieser Hernández to a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training, sources tell The Athletic.

Last pitched in the bigs with the Marlins in 2022.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) January 10, 2024

This is a classic Dodgers move under Andrew Friedman. L.A. loves to buy low on pitchers who may be damaged goods on the surface to most clubs. However, there's clearly something in Hernández's pitching profile that excites the club.

Hernández sat out much of last season due to injury. In fact, the majority of his career has been hindered by a myriad of physical problems. At 28 years old, Hernández has operated mostly as a starter throughout his MLB career.

In 48 career starts over parts of five seasons, Hernández has a career 10-21 record with a 5.04 ERA. His strikeout rate has gotten better as his career has progressed. From a pitch selection standpoint, he's essentially a three-pitch pitcher.

According to Baseball Savant, Hernández throws fastballs over 43 percent of the time. He then throws sliders roughly 36 percent of the time, and also changeups at nearly 14 percent of the time. His fastball tops out at about 92 miles per hour, meaning that Hernández has a game predicated on control and movement.

With past experience as a starter, it'll be interesting to see how the Dodgers plan on utilizing the 28-year-old out of Venezuela. With the low walk rate, there could be a scenario in which he's looked at as a potential fit within the bullpen.

At the same time, the injury situation within the rotation could lead to Hernández theoretically making the club as a starting pitcher.

While the odds of him making the club are not great, there always seems to be a guy coming out of nowhere during spring training who somehow finds himself on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster.