The Milwaukee Brewers have confirmed that Ariel Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher that the Dodgers had designated for assignment on July 31st, has been claimed off waivers.
Los Angeles made a trade with Cincinnati earlier this year in April, sending Zach Neal and Ibandel Isabel to the Reds in return for Ariel Hernandez. In his time with the Dodgers, Hernandez appeared with the AA Tulsa Drillers, and the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers. While in the Dodgers organization, Hernandez yielded a .208 average to batters he faced over forty-six and two thirds innings.
Reporters often use the term “fire-baller” when describing Hernandez’ pitching style. Last season, Hernandez made his Major League debut for the Reds, and pitched two and two thirds innings, notching five strikeouts to his ledger. The Statcast™ scouting report of his debut rang his fastball up at 100.1 MPH for a strikeout once. On other fastballs, Hernandez reached 98 and 99 MPH, but worked a 87 MPH off-speed pitch that froze multiple batters with two strikes.
The acquisition of Ariel Hernandez fills the Brewers’ 40-man roster, which held only thirty-nine players prior to the move. Hernandez’ former team in Oklahoma City will continue a series tonight in Reno against the Aces.
Arrick Joel has covered the Dodgers since 2017, and for Dodgers-LowDown since 2018. Follow @ArrickJoel and @DodgersLowDown on Twitter for more.