Washington Nationals Claim Julian Fernández Off Waivers From Dodgers

The Washington Nationals claimed Julian Fernández off waivers two days after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Nationals optioned Fernández to Triple-A Rochester.

Fernández was DFA’d in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Buddy Kennedy, who the Dodgers claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Kennedy as immediately added onto the Dodgers’ active roster due to Max Muncy going on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 1 right oblique strain.

Fernández is now joining the sixth different organization of his career. He signed with the Colorado Rockies as an international free agent in July 2012 and remained with them until being selected by the San Francisco Giants with the second pick in the Rule 5 Draft during December 2017.

Fernández remained with the Giants until joining the Miami Marlins one year later. He returned to the Rockies in October 2019 and proceeded to make his MLB debut with the team in 2021. Fernández then went on to pitch in the Toronto Blue Jays organization during the 2023 season.

The right-hander was not with a team in 2024 but was signed by the Dodgers to a Minor League contract last December.

Julian Fernández with Dodgers

Fernández was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City in early July and appeared in one game for the Dodgers. CJ Alexander was DFA’d at the time in order to make room for Fernández on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.

He allowed two runs over two innings in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers optioned Fernández back to Triple-A the following day as the team recalled Alexis Díaz.

During time with Oklahoma City this year, Fernández went 3-0 with four saves, a 3.05 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 35 games (four starts).