The Los Angeles Dodgers designated right-handed pitcher Jonathan Hernández for assignment on Wednesday to clear a roster spot for Brock Stewart, who was activated from the 15-day injured list.
This marks the third time this season the 30-year-old reliever has been DFA’d by Los Angeles. Hernández, who is out of minor-league options, has shuttled on and off the 40-man roster as the Dodgers have shuffled their bullpen.
He began 2026 on a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, opted out in May, and signed a major-league contract with the Dodgers on May 18.
In 16 appearances covering 25 1/3 innings with Los Angeles, Hernández posted a 5.68 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 20.2% strikeout rate, and 11.9% walk rate.
His recent outings showed improvement, including three scoreless innings with four strikeouts against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 15. Still, the overall numbers and the need for a fresh arm prompted the latest move.
Hernández first reached the majors in 2019 with the Texas Rangers. He debuted on Aug. 21 against the Los Angeles Angels, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings and earning the win in a walk-off victory.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-hander, born July 6, 1996, in Memphis, Tennessee, had been a starting prospect in the Rangers system before transitioning to relief.
His strongest stretch came in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, when he went 5-1 with a 2.90 ERA, 31 strikeouts, and just eight walks in 31 innings.
After missing 2021 following Tommy John surgery, he returned in 2022 and posted a 2.97 ERA. Later seasons with Texas and a brief 2024 stint with the Seattle Mariners saw his ERA climb to 5.40 as walk rates rose. Career totals stand at 13-8 with a 4.49 ERA in 178 1/3 innings.
Hernández still possesses premium velocity, routinely sitting around 97 mph with both his four-seam fastball and sinker while mixing in a slider and changeup. That stuff, combined with earlier success, has kept him in the mix as organizational depth despite inconsistent results.
Because the trade deadline has passed, Hernández will now go through waivers. If he clears, he can again elect free agency or accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City, as he did after earlier designations this year.
The Dodgers have repeatedly shown willingness to re-add him when roster space opens, so another return later in the season remains possible if he stays in the organization.
For a pitcher who first appeared in the majors seven years ago, Hernández continues to battle for a consistent role.
His latest designation reflects the tight margins in a contending Dodgers bullpen rather than a complete loss of faith in his raw ability.
