Angels RHP prospect Aaron Hernandez struck out seven hitters over four innings while allowing just one run on Monday for High-A Inland Empire.
Hernandez allowed seven hits, and he walked one. The 93rd pick of last June’s draft, Hernandez had some of the best stuff of any collegiate pitcher in the draft, but saw his stick slide with an inconsistent finish to his junior year. He has a sinking fastball that has touched 98 mph at times, and his curveball, slider/cutter and change all flash plus. The issues here are that Hernandez can struggle to locate his offerings, and his size (6'1/170) might make a move to the bullpen a likelihood. He could be a future closer, but the stuff is good enough for him to be a mid-rotation starter or better if he does throw enough strikes/show he’s durable enough to handle 170-plus innings.
