Rockies claim Livan Hernandez
By Jeremy Glasoe | August 6, 2008
Associated Press via StarTribune.com
DENVER - Livan Hernandez was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies from the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.
The former World Series MVP and two-time All-Star was 10-8 with a 5.48 ERA in 23 starts before the Twins designated him for assignment Friday to make roster room for Francisco Liriano.
“We’ve been struggling with our rotation this year,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “He’s a great addition.”
Hernandez, a 33-year-old right-hander, spent his previous 13 seasons in the NL with Florida (1996-99), San Francisco (1999-02), Montreal/Washington (2003-06) and Arizona (2006-07).
“I’m anticipating him being here Friday morning, throw a side session Friday and kind of map it out,” Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’ll make more announcements Friday on what direction we’re going to go.”
The Rockies have had trouble filling the last two spots of their rotation. Jorge De Los Santos was optioned to Triple-A on Monday after two unimpressive starts, and Jorge De La Rosa has been inconsistent.
Colorado assumed the remainder of the $5 million, one-year contract Hernandez signed with Minnesota before this season.
Hernandez has allowed 199 hits, by far the most in the majors. Opponents are hitting .341 against him, highest in baseball against a qualifying pitcher. He has a 6.50 career ERA in 13 starts at Coors Field.
Hernandez has struggled in his last 10 starts, going 4-6. He was 0-2 in his last two starts with the Twins, giving up 10 earned runs and 21 hits in 12 innings.
“He wouldn’t have been let go if he had performed better,” O’Dowd said. “It’s a risk on our part, but it’s a good risk. We’re banking on his track record and his experience and not his recent performance.”
Colorado explored trades for another starter but didn’t find the right deal.
“The pitching market is thin,” O’Dowd said.
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