Nick

Hernandez

The 31-year-old Hernandez, a slider specialist with an 89-92 mph fastball, has a 7.06 ERA in 21 2/3 major league innings with the Padres and Astros. He’ll compete for a spot in the A’s bullpen during spring training.

Hernandez heads to the open market after being removed from Houston’s bullpen mix over the weekend. The 30-year-old righty compiled an underwhelming 5.06 ERA across 10 2/3 innings over 10 appearances this season in the big leagues. He should be able to latch on somewhere this offseason as middle relief depth.

The Astros needed to clear a spot in their bullpen with Lance McCullers Jr. making a surprising return on Saturday and it looks like Hernandez drew the short straw this time around. The 30-year-old hurler posted a 5.06 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and an 11/8 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 innings in 10 appearances with the Astros on the season.

Hernandez returns to Houston’s relief mix with starter Luis Garcia hitting the injured list with elbow discomfort. The 30-year-old righty has made five relief appearances at the big-league level this season. He’ll operate in middle relief for the Astros over the final two weeks.

Hernandez is a frequent traveler between Sugar Land and Houston, and he’ll head back to the Pacific Coast League with Enyel De Los Santos joining the roster in a corresponding transaction.

Hernandez fills the roster spot of Ryan Gusto after Gusto was dealt to Miami. The 30-year-old right-hander will be a multi-inning option in the middle frames in his latest stint with the Astros.

Hernandez continues to shuttle back and forth between Houston’s bullpen and the minors. The 30-year-old righty has been hit hard in three relief appearances this season in the big leagues.

Hernandez is able to come back from Triple-A just two days after being demoted because he’s replacing Brandon Walter, with Walter being placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation in the corresponding move. Hernandez will provide bullpen depth while with Houston.

Hernandez was shipped back to the minors following Wednesday’s contest against the Diamondbacks. The Astros are expected to recall journeyman Jason Alexander to start Thursday’s series opener against the Athletics.

Hernandez gets the call back to the majors with starter Lance McCullers Jr. hitting the injured list with a blister. The 30-year-old righty has made only two relief appearances this season for the Astros.