Jonathan Hernández didn’t have to wait long to find a job.
One day after the right-handed pitcher was released from his minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, Hernández signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers immediately activated Hernández in advance of their series opener against the San Diego Padres.
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It’s a surprising, sudden return to the big leagues for a pitcher who hasn’t appeared in an MLB game since August 2024.
Hernández, 29, was released after making 13 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He was 1-0 with an 4.80 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 15 innings.
Since his MLB debut in 2019, Hernández has appeared in parts of five seasons with the Texas Rangers (2019-24) and Seattle Mariners (2024), going 13-8 with a 4.29 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 153 innings. He was originally signed on January 30, 2013 by the Rangers out of college.
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To make room for Hernández on their active roster, the Dodgers optioned reliever Chayce McDermott to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers lead the Padres by a half-game in the National League West standings.
More to come on this story.