Dodgers Signing Jonathan Hernández: Report

Feb 19, 2026; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Hernandez (72) poses for media day. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Feb 19, 2026; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Hernandez (72) poses for media day. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Dodgers Signing Jonathan Hernández: Report

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Matthew Moreno | Last updated May 18, 2026 7:52 PM ET

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with multiple injuries in their pitching staff and it’s resulted in the team making recent additions.

On Sunday, the Dodgers acquired Eric Lauer via trade with the Toronto Blue Jays after he had been designated for assignment. The Blue Jays received cash considerations in exchange for the left-hander.

The Dodgers hope to add Lauer to their active roster during the series against the San Diego Padres, and are planning to utilize him out of the bullpen.

Jonathan Hernández signing with Dodgers

That trade now is being followed by the Dodgers signing Jonathan Hernández, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Source: Dodgers signed RHP Jonathan Hernández, who opted out of his Phillies deal yesterday. Another fresh arm for the bullpen shuffle.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 18, 2026

Specifics of Hernández’s impending contract with the Dodgers are not known at the time of publishing. The right-hander became a free agent after opting out of his Minor League contract with the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend.

Hernández joined the Phillies on a Minor League deal back in January. He went 1-0 with one save, a 4.80 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 13 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The 29-year-old has prior MLB experience with the Texas Rangers (2019-20, 2022-24) and Seattle Mariners (2024). The 2024 season represents the last time Hernández reached the Major Leagues.

Over his combined time with the Rangers and Mariners that year, he finished 3-1 with a 5.40 ERA, 5.17 FIP and 1.59 WHIP across 29 games (one start).

During his Major League career, Hernández is 13-8 with four saves, a 4.29 ERA, 4.45 FIP and 1.44 WHIP in 127 games (three starts). He missed the 2021 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery that was completed in April of that year.

Hernández began his professional career by signing with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in 2013.

Why did the Dodgers sign Jonathan Hernández?

It’s not yet clear if Hernández will be with the Dodgers on a Major League contract or report to Triple-A Oklahoma City. However, he provides the team with another bullpen option as they are currently without Edwin Díaz, Brock Stewart and Jack Dreyer.

Each of the three relief pitchers are expected to return at various points this season, but Brusdar Graterol’s outlook changed in the wake of experiencing back trouble during his rehab assignment.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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