After a couple of brief stints with the team already in 2024, the Atlanta Braves decided to bring up reliever Daysbel Hernandez once again on Monday, as they officially recalled the right-hander from Triple-A Gwinnett.
Hernandez was brought up as the team made a flurry of roster moves including bringing up Forrest Wall to replace J.P. Martinez and Hernandez replaced top-prospect Hurston Waldrep who landed on the 15-day IL.
His name might be unfamiliar to some Atlanta Braves fans so what potential impact could Hernandez now have with the major league team?
What impact could Daysbel Hernandez have on the Atlanta Braves?
A 27-year-old right-hander, Hernandez is a reliever who has been in the Braves organization since the 2018 season. However, his MLB debut would not come until last season in fairly limited action.
Enjoying a strong season in Gwinnett, Hernandez would make four relief appearances with the Braves in late July of 2023 but struggled at times during that span. Pitching only 3.2 innings, Hernandez had a 1-0 record with a 7.36 ERA and 6:3 K/BB ratio, with opponents also holding a combined .353 average against.
Fast forward to this season, and Hernandez is once again seeing success in Gwinnett, owning a 2.35 ERA and a 29:14 K/BB ratio across 16.1 innings. With those numbers, the Braves opted to bring him up for Monday's game with the Tigers where he pitched in a very important scenario.
Daysbel didn't have to wait long to get in on the action as he pitched during the 8th inning against Detroit. He checked in with the score tied at one apiece and pitched well, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out two over one inning of work. It was impressive to watch and he could be a great option for the Braves bullpen.
"The @GoStripers are shining bright tonight in Atlanta." — @BrandonGaudin 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9ANFypFSw0
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) June 18, 2024
So, when looking ahead, should Hernandez remain with the Braves instead of being sent back to Triple-A, the right-hander would likely feature in a role similar to what his first two appearances with Atlanta have been.
No, Hernandez will likely not see time in any save situations soon, but the right-hander could end up being a key option in helping the Braves get to the ninth inning, likely seeing a majority of his time in either the sixth or seventh innings.