Nick Hernandez: Everything you need to know

The Athletics reassigned Hernandez to minor-league camp Sunday. Hernandez was one of 11 players sent out in the Athletics' latest round of roster cuts. The 31-year-old right-hander spent most of the 2025 season at the Triple-A level but made 10 appearances in the majors with the Astros, giving up six earned runs on 12 hits and eight walks over 10.2 innings.

Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Tuesday, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports. Hernandez hasn't been able to find his footing in the big leagues just yet, as he carries a 7.06 ERA over 21.2 career MLB innings. However, he turned in an impressive 2.12 ERA and 1.02 with a 63:22 K:BB over 46.2 innings this past season while pitching for Houston's Triple-A affiliate in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. His impressive campaign will now buy him an audition with the Athletics, and a few more strong performances could allow him to return to the majors in 2026.

The Astros outrighted Hernandez to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday. Hernandez cleared waivers after being removed from the 40-man roster and will remain in the organization. The right-handed reliever holds a career 7.06 ERA and 26:13 K:BB over 21.2 innings covering parts of three big-league seasons.