*** UPDATE ***
It looks like Hernandez will take the place of Beckett in the rotation. Uh oh... not a good sign for Beckett, who's obviously hurt worse than we all thought. What a shame.
***
Ned Colletti traded for some pitching reinforcement today, picking up Roberto "Don't Call Me Fausto Carmona" Hernandez from the Phillies for a couple of players or cash. Hernandez was lined up to start for the Phillies tonight against the Astros, but that's obviously not going to happen.
This season, Hernandez is 6-8 with a 3.87 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 75 K's in 121 IP. Decent numbers, but nothing spectacular. What is very encouraging is his work since the All-Star break, as he's 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA and 0.87 WHIP. He's cut down big time on his walks, which has led to much better numbers.
It's unclear right now how the Dodgers will use him, as a starter or in the 'pen. The rotation has issues at the bottom, as Josh Beckett is battling a bad hip, and Dan Haren has been hit hard before last night's start, where he dominated the Angels. Maybe giving Hernandez a start in one of their spots is an idea, or to give everyone else an extra day of rest in a spot start.
The bullpen could certainly use him as well. Take away Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell, and the other options are slim and none for big outs late in games. Jamey Wright is having a pretty good year, but he's being used more for outs earlier in the game. Perhaps Hernandez gets a crack at pitching in setup.
Whatever the case, based on his recent success, this appears like a good move without giving up much. It's not like the Dodgers can't afford to give away cash, and anytime there's players to be named later, it means low-end prospects. In other words, not much being lost.
It will be interesting to see if Colletti is done here, which I doubt. I would think he's still looking for more help in the pitching department. We shall see what else he has in store.
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