The Philadelphia Phillies will be getting back one of their relievers shortly. Philadelphia placed José Ruiz on the 15-day IL at the start of May due to a neck spasm. He was recently sent on a rehab assignment with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Triple-A and made his first appearance on May 13.
Ranger Suárez was ready to make his season debut at the time Ruiz was put on the IL. Philadelphia moved Taijuan Walker to the bullpen once Suárez returned from the IL due to low back stiffness. Once Ruiz is ready to return, which reliever could be the odd man out in the bullpen?
Carlos Hernández may no longer be on the roster once José Ruiz makes his return to the Phillies
The reliever whose time with the Phillies may be in jeopardy once Ruiz has finished rehabbing is Carlos Hernández. Philadelphia claimed Hernández off waivers from the Kansas City Royals shortly before the regular season. Suárez was not going to be available, and Walker was going to fill in the starting rotation.
Hernández has a 6.75 ERA in 16 games this season. The Phillies have plenty of right-handed relievers with established roles in the bullpen, including Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering and Joe Ross. Hernández was claimed when the organization had an opening in its bullpen, but that will no longer be the case. If his ERA were much better, it could be a tougher decision for the team to make.
Hernández has allowed a baserunner via a hit or walk in all but two of his appearances with the Phillies. Aside from Walker, who made six starts before appearing out of the bullpen, Hernández's 21 hits are the second most among Philadelphia relievers. His 10 walks are the most out of those same nine pitchers. The good news is that the relievers are gradually turning things around from their poor start, but he is unlikely to retain a spot in the bullpen once Ruiz returns.
Ruiz has had his share of struggles in the first month of the season. However, the Phillies are more willing to give him a spot in the bullpen following a solid performance in the second half of last year and in spring training this season.
Hernández is out of minor league options, so he'll have to be designated for assignment and may be claimed off waivers by another club before the Phillies can option him to the minors. With a healthy bullpen, there aren't any spots available for him on the roster.