There’s a good reason why the Washington Nationals wanted Livan Hernandez back. Again.
They know exactly what they have in the 35-year old pitcher. And what they have is good enough to help them, even if he’s only around for a few months. Hernandez does not need to be anything other than a back-end rotation pitcher, someone capable of throwing 180 innings, showing younger pitchers how to handle situations and being a calming, and engaging, presence in the clubhouse.
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A young team can always use a guy like that.
Thing is, if Hernandez is done — he only signed a minor league deal — then the Nats could release him in June. But all he has to do to make this a successful signing is post an ERA around 4.70 and pitch into the sixth inning. Which is what he’s done most of his career (except for the last two seasons; there’s a real chance he’s just finished).
Washington just needs someone who can take up innings for the first two or three months of the season.
Chien-Ming Wang is sidelined for a couple more months after right shoulder surgery, Ross Detwiler is probably out until May with a hip injury and Stephen Strasburg is likely ticketed to the minors. If Scott Olsen isn’t yet healthy, the Nationals need someone reliable.
Hernandez is worth bringing back for one more shot. A few years ago he needed to anchor the Nats’ rotation. Now he just needs to hold up the back end for a little bit.
