Elieser Hernandez Elects Free Agency

Right-hander Elieser Hernandez is back on the open market, according to his MLB.com transaction tracker. The Braves designated the veteran reliever for assignment ahead of their Wild Card matchup against the Phillies. Righty Ricky Vanasco was also DFAed with Rowdy Tellez and Luke Williams joining the 40-man roster.

Once Carlos Carrasco signed overseas, Hernandez emerged as the Braves’ favorite DFA carousel guy. His contract was selected four times in the second half. He never spent more than a week on the roster. Hernandez would be DFAed, pass through waivers, and then re-sign with Atlanta on a minor league deal. While he’s currently a free agent, there’s a decent chance he comes back to the organization once again.

The 31-year-old Hernandez pitched well in his various stints in the majors. He compiled a 2.25 ERA across 12 innings. The righty picked up two wins and a three-inning save over his five appearances. Hernandez averaged a career-best 92.1 mph on his fastball out of Atlanta’s bullpen. He struck out more than a batter per inning, though it came with a career-worst 11.3% walk rate.

Hernandez and his ilk helped the Braves navigate an injury-plagued season on the mound. The club got a combined 11 appearances from Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach. Reynaldo Lopez, Bryce Elder, and Martin Perez closed the year on the IL.

Tyler Mahle, added at the trade deadline as rotation depth, started Game 2 of the Wild Card series. Atlanta is expected to turn to a lefty opener (Ray Kerr, Brent Suter) and then Grant Holmes as the bulk reliever for an elimination game tonight. It’s certainly not an ideal situation. The Braves will have some work to do on the pitching side this offseason.