The Los Angeles Dodgers made a notable roster adjustment on Monday afternoon as they prepared to host the Kansas City Royals for the start of a three-game series.
Amid a difficult stretch in which the club had dropped eight of its previous nine contests, the team designated right-handed pitcher Jonathan Hernández for assignment.
Hernández, a 30-year-old veteran in his sixth major league season, had been working out of the Dodgers bullpen. His most recent outing came Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when he delivered two scoreless innings.
Over his previous 4.2 innings of work, he had not allowed a run. Still, his overall numbers with Los Angeles this year left room for improvement: a 6.45 ERA across 22.1 innings with 18 strikeouts.
The move formed part of a broader set of transactions announced by the club. The Dodgers recalled right-hander Seth Halvorsen, added left-hander Charlie Barnes to the active roster, and optioned right-hander Kyle Hurt to the minors.
Hernández now enters the designation-for-assignment period, during which the Dodgers have several options. They could release him, attempt to outright him to the minor leagues if he clears waivers, or see him claimed by another organization.
Hernández arrived in Los Angeles after earlier stops with the Texas Rangers, where he spent the first five seasons of his career, and a brief period with the Seattle Mariners in 2024.
He did not appear in the majors in 2025. Across 175.1 career innings, he owns a 4.57 ERA and 168 strikeouts. His time with the Dodgers marked a fresh opportunity that now hangs in the balance.
The timing of the decision coincides with the team’s effort to stabilize a pitching staff while trying to reverse recent results at the plate and on the mound.
Halvorsen, acquired in a mid-July trade, gets another look at the major league level. Barnes returns to the roster after previously being designated for assignment, electing free agency, and signing again with the organization within the past two months.
For Hernández, the next several days will determine whether he remains in the Dodgers system or finds a new landing spot.
For the club, the transaction reflects an ongoing attempt to find the right mix as the season progresses and the standings remain competitive.
The series against the Royals offers an immediate chance to test the updated roster and begin climbing out of the recent skid.
