Diamondbacks acquire Yonny Hernandez in trade with Rangers
Apr 7, 2022, 10:58 AM
Yonny Hernandez #65 of the Texas Rangers forces out Ryan McKenna #65 of the Baltimore Orioles while turning a first inning double play at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 26, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired infielder Yonny Hernandez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Jeferson Espinal on Thursday.
With Josh Rojas on the 10-day injured list (right oblique strain) to start the year and Drew Ellis having played just 17 MLB games at third base, Hernandez provides the team with added depth at the position.
Hernandez was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces shortly after the trade went through.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Hernandez, Arizona designated pitcher Humberto Mejia for assignment.
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Hernandez, who made his MLB debut last August, averaged .217 and slugged .252 to go along with 31 hits, six RBIs, 15 runs scored and 11 stolen bases over 43 games (166 plate appearances).
The infielder spent time at second and third base as well as shortstop while at the majors level last season. A majority of Hernandez’s games played were at third base (29), followed by second (nine) and shortstop (six).
The infielder had been in the Rangers’ farm system since 2015. As a member of the Triple-A West Round Rock Express last year (61 games), Hernandez averaged .250 and slugged .323. He added 48 hits, 13 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.
Espinal had been with the D-backs’ farm system since 2019, making it to Low-A ball.
The trade comes ahead of Arizona’s Opening Day matchup against the San Diego Padres. Arizona’s Opening Day roster released Thursday includes 15 pitchers and 13 position players and catchers.
First pitch for the season opener is slated for 6:40 p.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
