Nationals Sign Veteran Reliever David Hernandez
By Karl Rasmussen
The Washington Nationals didn't make any marquee acquisitions on Friday, but they were still plenty active in free agency.
After inking Starlin Castro to man the infield, the team further supplemented its bullpen by signing veteran relief pitcher David Hernandez.
Good opportunity for David Hernandez, who had a rough ending to his season last summer. He was well respected in #Reds clubhouse. https://t.co/pYAhUeebF7
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) January 4, 2020
Hernandez, 34, has spent 10 years in the major leagues, most recently featuring for the Reds.
After a strong season in 2018, during which he logged a 2.53 ERA across 64 innings, Hernandez struggled in 2019. He pitched to the tune of a 8.02 ERA in 42.2 innings, striking out 53 batters and walking 20.
Hoping to put last season's disaster behind him, Hernandez has latched on with the World Champs, on what's anticipated to be a minor-league deal.
Nationals Sign David Hernandez https://t.co/PITQmt249u
— Tim Dierkes (@mlbtrnationals) January 4, 2020
Hernandez offers plenty of experience, having pitched in 547 games at the big-league level. He owns a career 4.12 ERA and an impressive 10.3 K/9 to go with it, and could have a bounce-back year in the Nationals' bullpen.