Oakland Athletics rookie shortstop Darell Hernaiz (ankle) advanced in his rehab process from a strength and fitness program to a hitting progression in the week of June 17. However, there is no timetable for when he might be ready to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. Hernaiz landed on the injured list with a left-ankle sprain and most likely won't be back before the All-Star break in mid-July despite already shedding his walking boot in the first half of June. There's no reason to rush the 22-year-old, who struggled in his first taste of major-league pitching this year before getting hurt. In 29 games played, Hernaiz went 12-for-66 (.182) with no home runs, six RBI, one steal, six walks and 16 strikeouts in 75 plate appearances. He should get another shot in the big leagues once he's healed up, but it remains to be seen if he'll see consistent playing time.
The Oakland Athletics placed rookie infield prospect Darell Hernaiz (ankle) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left-ankle injury and recalled catcher/first baseman Tyler Soderstrom from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. The A's also selected left-hander Easton Lucas' contract from Vegas and added right-hander Osvaldi Bido as the 27th man for their doubleheader on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. Right-hander Alex Speas was designated for assignment. It's a tough break for Hernaiz, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the A's No. 4 prospect. With Hernaiz out, Max Schuemann is making the start at shortstop in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader, but Brett Harris is also a candidate to see playing time there until Hernaiz is able to return. Hernaiz was hitting just .182 (12-for-66) with no homers and six RBI in his first 29 MLB games.
Oakland Athletics infielder Darell Hernaiz, the team's No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is primarily a shortstop, but the 22-year-old got the start at third base on Tuesday in the team's Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians and is in the mix with Jordan Diaz, Aledmys Diaz (groin), and Abraham Toro for an Opening Day roster spot at third base. He hit .321 with an .842 OPS in the minors at Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas last year. Hernaiz made a smooth play at the hot corner on Tuesday, had a sacrifice fly and singled and scored later in the game. He's played in 255 minor-league games at shortstop but only 33 at third base, so he has some work to do defensively at the hot corner. At best, Hernaiz is a stash candidate in deep dynasty/keeper leagues.
The Oakland Athletics acquired infield prospect Darell Hernaiz from the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in exchange for left-hander Cole Irvin and minor-league right-hander Kyle Virbitsky, according to sources. Hernaiz, who is only 21 years old, spent the 2022 season with Single-A Delmarva, High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie, slashing a combined .273/.341/.438 with a .779 OPS, 12 home runs, 62 RBI, 72 runs scored and 32 stolen bases in 452 plate appearances over 105 games. He spent the majority of the year at Aberdeen (60 games), hitting .305 with five homers, 29 RBI and 22 steals. The A's will continue to develop the young speedy middle infielder, but he's unlikely to make it to the Show in 2023.
