The Brewers have signed right-hander Elieser Hernandez to a one-year MLB deal. To make room on the roster, righty James Meeker was optioned to Triple-A, and lefty DL Hall was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list.
The Dodgers designated Hernandez for assignment last week and removed him from their 40-man roster on Thursday. With over five years of MLB service time, Hernandez opted for free agency instead of accepting a Triple-A assignment and quickly signed with the Brewers. This move appears beneficial for Hernandez, as he secures a guaranteed contract and a clearer path to playing time on a team with pitching uncertainties.
Injuries have heavily impacted Milwaukee’s rotation, prompting the Brewers to rely on a patchwork of pitchers around Freddy Peralta and Colin Rea. Bryse Wilson and Tobias Myers have assumed regular starting roles, and prospect Carlos Rodriguez was expected to start on Tuesday. However, this plan might change with Hernandez now on the roster.
Hernandez may not remain in the rotation or become a primary starter; he could potentially be paired with Rodriguez in a piggyback role to ease the rookie’s transition. Hernandez made one start in five appearances with the Dodgers, posting an 8.38 ERA over 9 2/3 innings.
This brief stint was his first MLB action since 2022, as he spent most of 2023 injured and pitched only 9 1/3 innings in the Mets’ farm system. Known for his time with the Marlins, Hernandez showed promise as a starter but struggled with injuries, maintaining a 5.15 ERA over 297 1/3 innings with a 22% strikeout rate and 7.5% walk rate. His primary issue has been a high home run rate of 16.5%.
Hall has been sidelined since April 20 due to a left knee sprain and will now be out until at least late June after suffering another sprain during rehab. Hall is attempting to pitch through MCL damage, aiming for a quicker return advised by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, with more extensive treatment or surgery planned for the offseason. Alternatively, a PRP injection now would sideline him until September.
