Hernández looked sharp in a handful of Grapefruit League appearances this spring as a non-roster invitee in Rays camp. The 28-year-old righty struggled last year in 29 relief appearances between the Rangers and Mariners, but should factor into Tampa Bay’s relief mix at some point during the year.

The 28-year-old Hernández was tremendous out of the bullpen for Texas in 2020 and 2022 and looked to be a potential closer of the future. However, he struggled in 2023 and then again last season, pitching to a 5.05 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 36/26 K/BB ratio in 41 innings before Texas put him on waivers. Given how much success Tampa Bay has had in the past with getting veteran relievers to put forth career-best efforts, it wouldn’t surprise us if Hernández becomes another name they can add to the list.

Hernández went unclaimed on waivers last week after being designated for assignment and will hang around with Seattle as extra relief depth. The 28-year-old righty was scooped up off waivers earlier this month from the Rangers.

Hernández was claimed off waivers last week from the division-rival Rangers, but winds up getting jettisoned unexpectedly due to a roster crunch in Seattle. The 28-year-old made just three appearances for the Mariners. There should be some interest on waivers in the coming days.