The Royals had no choice but to subject Hernandez, who is out of options, to waivers after he didn’t make the Opening Day roster. The Phillies claimed the 28-year-old right-hander on Sunday. Hernandez had a 6.97 ERA in 10 1/3 innings this spring, but had a 3.30 ERA and 3.50 FIP in 30 innings out of the bullpen in 2024.

Hernández, 27, did a nice job out of the Royals’ bullpen in 2024, posting a 3.30 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 27/16 K/BB ratio over 30 innings in his 27 appearances. This is his first trip through the arbitration process and he remains under team control through the 2027 season.

With Will Smith put on the IL with a back injury, the Royals will bring back Hernández, who has a 3.45 ERA in 15 innings overall for the team out of the bullpen. He figures to remain in the majors for a couple of weeks at least while Smith recovers.

Hernández allowed two runs — one earned — over four innings in his week with the Royals. He has a 3.45 ERA in 15 innings overall for the team, but the Royals pen has been good enough that he hasn’t been needed regularly.