CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ NEWS

Recalled from Triple-A The Royals recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Impact He'll absorb the roster spot vacated by the injured Will Smith (back). Hernandez has permitted eight runs (six earned) with a 14:9 K:BB over 15.2 frames this season during his time with the big club.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

Optioned to Triple-A The Royals optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Impact Hernandez allowed just one earned run with a 6:1 K:BB over four innings during his most recent stint in the majors but nonetheless is being sent out. John Schreiber is back from the injured list to absorb his roster spot.

AUGUST 19 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to majors The Royals recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Impact With Hunter Harvey on the injured list due to a back injury, Hernandez will return to Kansas City to fill the open spot in the Royals' bullpen. The 27-year-old righty owns a 3.86 ERA and 1.54 WHIP through 11.2 innings in the majors this year, though he has surrendered seven runs in just 7.2 frames since being optioned to Omaha in early July.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Sent to Triple-A The Royals optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Impact Hernandez spent just over two weeks with the Royals, allowing five runs (four unearned) across 8.2 innings. He'll give up his active roster spot to Walter Pennington and return to Triple-A.

JULY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Sent to Triple-A The Royals optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Impact Hernandez spent just over two weeks with the Royals, allowing five runs (four unearned) across 8.2 innings. However, he'll give up his active roster spot to Walter Pennington and return to Triple-A.

JULY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Handed loss Tuesday Hernandez (0-1) took the loss versus the Marlins on Tuesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Impact Hernandez hadn't given up a run over his first 3.2 innings back in the majors since his recall June 18. That changed in the seventh inning Tuesday, as the Marlins got RBI singles from Nick Gordon and Jazz Chisholm to flip the script on the Royals. Hernandez has allowed three runs (two earned) with a 3:4 K:BB over seven innings across eight appearances this year. While initially thought to be an option for high-leverage work, Hernandez suffered a shoulder impingement in spring training and has yet to record a save or hold in the majors this year.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Sent down to Triple-A The Royals optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Impact Hernandez didn't make his season debut for the Royals until last week after recovering from a shoulder injury and has allowed one run with a 1:3 K:BB over 2.2 innings covering four appearances. He'll likely be back with the big club sooner rather than later, but the Royals needed to free up a roster spot for Daniel Lynch, who was called up from Omaha to make a spot start Thursday versus the Twins.

MAY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Bullpen scheduled Wednesday Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Monday that Hernandez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session over the weekend and is scheduled for another Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Impact Hernandez landed on the Royals' 15-day IL on Thursday due to a right shoulder impingement that kept him out of spring training. If Wednesday's session goes well, the right-hander could see some rehab assignment work before returning to the majors. With the Royals last season, Hernandez posted a 5.27 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 77:31 K:BB over 70 innings.

APRIL 1 • ROTOWIRE

Grabs fourth save Hernandez picked up the save in Tuesday's 11-10 victory over the White Sox. He allowed one run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning.

Impact Hernandez allowed a run for a fourth straight appearance, though he'd manage to hang on to a one-run lead Tuesday, earning his fourth save. It's been a tough run for Hernandez, who's allowed six runs in his last 2.2 innings while blowing two saves in that span. His ERA is up to 4.87 with a 1.21 WHIP with 75:26 K:BB this season. While Hernandez should still see high-leverage work in Kansas City, it's hard to trust him for fantasy purposes.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sustains 10th loss Hernandez (1-10) allowed three runs on two hits and two walks over one-third of an inning, taking the loss and a blown save Friday versus the Blue Jays.

Impact Austin Cox started the eighth inning but sustained a left knee injury after facing two batters. Hernandez proceeded to allow an inherited runner to score before getting tagged for three runs himself. He has three blown saves and two saves over his last seven appearances, a span in which he's allowed six runs over six innings. He's at a 4.81 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 74:25 K:BB with three saves, 12 holds and five blown saves through 63.2 innings this season. Hernandez should continue to see high-leverage looks, but the quality of his performance of late puts him on the fantasy fringe.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes blown save, loss Hernandez (1-9) allowed a run on a two hits over one-third of an inning, taking the loss and a blown save Tuesday versus the Pirates.

Impact Austin Cox left a man on base in the eighth inning and Hernandez surrendered a two-run home run to Ke'Bryan Hayes. Hernandez's uneven August -- 8.68 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, 2-for-4 in save chances -- has prevented him from claiming the closer role that opened up when Scott Barlow was traded to San Diego. Hernandez has a 4.33 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 73:22 K:BB through 62.1 innings overall while adding three saves, 12 holds and four blown saves this season.

AUGUST 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Notches five-out save Hernandez picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Oakland, striking out one over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Impact Hernandez was able to strand the bases loaded after coming on with one out in the eighth inning before closing out the A's in the ninth to earn his third save. The 26-year-old Hernandez has now converted his last two save chances after allowing three runs in his previous two appearances (1.1 innings). He now sports a 4.28 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 73:21 K:BB across 61 innings this season. Hernandez should see the majority of closing chances going forward in Kansas City, though the left-handed Austin Cox could see opportunities as well, depending on matchups.

AUGUST 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Holds on to collect save Hernandez held on for his second save of the season Friday versus the Cubs. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out two.

Impact On to try to preserve a one-run victory, Hernandez allowed a a one-out single to Nico Hoerner but lucked out when Hoerner was thrown out attempting to stretch it to a double. He then issued a two-out walk but struck out Cody Bellinger swinging to end it. The Royals have two saves as a team since trading Scott Barlow, with Hernandez securing one and Austin Cox the other. Hernandez looks like the best bet to close moving forward, although manager Matt Quatraro might not settle on one guy.

AUGUST 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Handed eighth loss Hernandez (1-8) allowed a run on one hit over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss and a blown save Thursday versus the Mariners. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Impact Taylor Hearn was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the eighth inning, but he put two of the three batters he faced on base. Hernandez relieved him and immediately gave up a three-run moonshot to Julio Rodriguez. Hernandez has allowed nine runs (eight earned) over 5.1 innings in August, and he has two holds and a blown save without converting a save chance this month. He has one save, 12 holds, a 4.47 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 70:20 K:BB through 58.1 innings this year. Should the Royals have any leads to protect down the stretch, it's likely the save chances will be distributed on a committee basis.

AUGUST 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gives up walk-off grand slam Hernandez (1-7) took the loss Monday versus the Red Sox, allowing four runs on two hits and two walks with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning.

Impact Hernandez was brought in to keep the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, but instead loaded the bases. Pablo Reyes unloaded them with a walk-off grand slam. Hernandez gave up just two runs over 13.1 innings in July, but he's already surrendered six runs in 2.2 innings in August. He's now at a 4.20 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 66:19 K:BB through 55.2 innings this season. Hernandez is still likely to see most of the Royals' save chances, but on a team that doesn't win much, he can't be counted on for a steady stream of saves.

AUGUST 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up first win Hernandez (1-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two over one inning to earn the extra-inning win Tuesday over the Mets.

Impact Hernandez didn't pitch well in the 10th inning, giving up a two-run home run to Francisco Alvarez. The Royals were able to rally back and get a walk-off balk for the win. Hernandez is now in the driver's seat to be the Royals' closer after Scott Barlow was dealt to San Diego earlier Tuesday. Hernandez has a mediocre 3.67 ERA, but a 1.00 WHIP and 65:16 K:BB over 54 innings suggest he has the stuff to handle late-inning assignments. There won't be a lot of save chances while pitching for a last-place team, but he's worth a speculative add in fantasy on the strikeout upside alone.

AUGUST 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up save Sunday Hernandez secured his first-career save Sunday in a 2-1 win over the Twins. He did not allow a hit, but did walk a batter and struck out two.

Impact Hernandez was called upon to close out the game in the ninth with Scott Barlow presumably unavailable after throwing 41 pitches over the last two days. Hernandez has now recorded three holds and a save while tossing four shutout innings in his last four appearances. He's a prime candidate to take over the Royals' closing duties if Barlow were to get dealt to a contending team before the deadline. Hernandez is putting up career-best numbers thus far, posting a 3.57 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 63:15 K:BB in 53 innings.

JULY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes sixth loss Hernandez (0-6) allowed a run on one hit and struck out one over one inning to take the loss Saturday versus the Yankees.

Impact Hernandez has allowed two runs over 9.1 innings in July, but both instances led to him taking losses. His mistake Saturday resulted in a solo home run by DJ LeMahieu in the seventh inning. Hernandez has a middling 3.86 ERA for the season, but his 1.02 WHIP and 57:13 K:BB through 49 innings suggests he's gotten a little unlucky. He's added seven holds and two blown saves while often seeing high-leverage spots.

JULY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Handed loss in nightcap Hernandez (0-5) took the loss in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays, allowing a run on two hits while striking out one in one inning.

Impact The Rays took the lead on a Luke Raley RBI single in the eighth inning, sticking Hernandez with his first decision since June 12. After some troubles in early June, the right-hander has settled down, allowing three runs (two earned) over his last 13.1 innings. He's at a 3.94 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 52:12 K:BB with five holds through 45.2 innings this season. Hernandez could be an option to take over the closer role if the Royals trade Scott Barlow before the deadline, though save chances on a last-place team are likely to remain sparse.

JULY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes extra-inning loss Hernandez (0-4) allowed an unearned run in one inning to take the 10-inning loss Monday versus the Reds.

Impact The Reds were able to play small ball to scrape home a run against Hernandez, and the Royals couldn't match it in the bottom of the 10th. He's seem time both as a traditional reliever and an opening pitcher lately, but the results haven't been all that good -- he has a 5.40 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 13.1 innings across his last 10 appearances, which includes four turns as an opener. For the season, he's posted a 4.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 42:9 K:BB across 33.1 innings. Hernandez's opening appearances have typically come in front of Mike Mayers, who is lined up to pitch again over the weekend versus the Angels.

JUNE 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Opening versus O's on Sunday Hernandez will serve as the opening pitcher against the Orioles on Sunday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Impact Hernandez will get the start, and Mike Mayers is expected to receive the bulk innings, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Hernandez will likely only go a couple of innings at most, so he won't have the counting stats -- nor the chance to pick up a decision -- against Baltimore on Sunday.

JUNE 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set to open Monday Hernandez (thumb) will start Monday's game against the Marlins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Impact Hernandez exited Friday's game after a callus on his thumb opened up, but he'll return to the mound Monday in Miami to serve as Kansas City's opener. The 26-year-old has a 4.76 ERA across 28.1 innings this season and should cover a frame or two before giving way to bulk pitcher Mike Mayers.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with thumb issue Hernandez left Friday's game versus the Rockies when a callus on his thumb opened up, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Impact Hernandez took the loss after allowing four runs in one-third of an inning. He may be down for a day or two, but it's unclear if he'll need a stint on the injured list.

JUNE 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves with apparent injury Hernandez left his relief appearance against the Rockies with an apparent injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Impact Hernandez allowed four runs while getting just one out before leaving the game. The right-hander should be considered day-to-day until further updates are provided by the Royals. Nick Wittgren has taken over on the mound in Hernandez's place.

JUNE 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Takes second loss Hernandez (0-2) allowed a run on two hits and struck out two over one inning, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Cardinals.

Impact Hernandez entered Tuesday on an eight-inning scoreless streak, but that ended when he gave up an RBI double to Nolan Arenado in the sixth inning. Overall, Hernandez has taken a step forward this season, working as an effective middle reliever and occasional opener. He has a 3.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 38:8 K:BB across 28 innings through 23 appearances. Hernandez also has three holds and a blown save, but he's unlikely to be much of a factor for high-leverage situations.

MAY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE