Why I think David Hernandez Should Be Moved to the Bullpen

For now, let him stay in the rotation on the off-chance that he can be good. When somebody else is ready to join the rotation, then maybe make the move.

I was ready to say that we shouldn’t be so quick to believe Hernandez can only be a reliever until I saw those stats. I agree with pipkin that we should wait and see. Beyond Bergesen, Hernandez has been the Orioles most consistent starter this year, even if it means only going 5 or 6 IP with 2 or 3 ER’s every time.

1)-Hernandez finds a spot on the back end of the rotation in the near future. He stops pitching up in the zone so much, develops a 2-seam fastball that jams righties, and finds consistency with his curve ball. The pitch count is now manageable for David and he often goes seven plus.

2)-Hernandez ends up in the bullpen as his stats continue on their current trend. He never learns to keep the ball down and the fastball continues to be straight and hittable. His pitch counts continue to be too high due to the inability to control the curve ball, but his stuff is good enough to get him by as a reliever.

Hard to tell at this point…

From there he could go to closer or long relief. He’s got some power but obviously can’t sustain it enough to start games.

But until we get some more starters, he’s going to have to keep taking his lumps.

I will not deny that, but so far he’s been passable in the rotation and thats worth more than a good reliever any day.