Carlos

Hernandez

There’s a lot of roster turnover in the bullpen for the Royals today. Smith might not need more than the minimum stay on the IL, and the veteran has also really struggled in 2024 with a 6.53 ERA in 41 1/3 innings. Carlos Hernández is being recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his place.

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.

Hernández has been summoned to replace an injured Hunter Harvey (back) in Kansas City’s bullpen. The 27-year-old righty has made just 12 appearances this season for the Royals and will most likely operate in middle relief.

The 27-year-old hurler has shown flashes of brilliance in his career but has struggled to find consistency on the mound. He has made 12 appearances out of the Royals’ bullpen this season, registering a 3.86 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and an 8/8 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings. Walter Pennington had his contract selected from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move on Friday.

Hernández will rejoin the Kansas City staff after being optioned down at the end of May. The right-hander will provide some depth with Drew Waters heading back to Triple-A in the corresponding move.

With Brady Singer scratched from his Thursday start due to illness, the Royals needed a starter on short notice, so they called up Daniel Lynch IV from Triple-A and optioned Hernández to make room. The 27-year-old made four appearances for the Royals after returning from injury, allowing one run on two hits in 2 2/3 innings while striking out one and walking three. He’ll be back in the Royals’ bullpen in the near future.

With Brady Singer unavailable due to an illness, Lynch will make a spot start on Thursday against the Twins. The 27-year-old has made nine starts in Triple-A, posting a 4.76 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. He’s not a recommended option in fantasy leagues.

Hernandez had been dealing with a shoulder issue since the start of the season. Last year, he had a 5.27 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 77 strikeouts and 10 home runs allowed in 70 innings with Kansas City.

Hernández was placed on the injured list earlier this week. He’s already resumed throwing bullpen sessions, which means he should progress to facing hitters at some point in the next couple weeks.