Phillies sign reliever David Hernandez
The Phillies made their first move of the Winter Meetings on Wednesday morning by signing veteran reliever David Hernandez, according to a report by Fox Sports.
NASHVILLE -- The Phillies made their first move of the Winter Meetings on Wednesday morning by signing veteran reliever David Hernandez to a one-year deal.
The move was first reported by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Hernandez, 30, spent his last four seasons with Arizona. He missed the entire 2014 season because of Tommy John surgery and did not return until June 2015.
The righthander had a 4.28 ERA last season in 40 appearances. He struck out 33 and walked 11 in 33 2/3 innings. He began his career in Baltimore, where he was drafted by current Phillies president Andy MacPhail and director of player development Joe Jordan. Hernandez could give the Phillies a steady arm for the bullpen, a unit that struggled mightily last season.
The Hernandez move could be the first of a series of moves the Phillies make in the final two days of the four-day meetings in Nashville. They are still interested in signing a veteran starting pitcher, possibly righthander Doug Fister. The Phillies also continue to field offers for closer Ken Giles.