Tigers' Bullpen Depth Issues? Carlos Hernandez Is The Answer

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Tigers' Bullpen Depth Issues? Carlos Hernandez Might Be the Answer

The Detroit Tigers' bullpen has been a source of both excitement and frustration this season. While young arms like Alex Lange have shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been a glaring issue. Manager A.J. Hinch has been forced to shuffle relievers, often relying on overworked pitchers, leading many fans and analysts to question the team's depth in the 'pen. Could the answer to these bullpen woes lie with the recently recalled Carlos Hernandez?

The 25-year-old right-hander, acquired in the 2018 Rule 5 Draft from the Kansas City Royals, has shown tantalizing glimpses of potential, but inconsistencies and injuries have hampered his progress. However, recent performances in Triple-A Toledo suggest he's finally ready to contribute significantly at the major league level.

Hernandez's Triple-A Dominance

Hernandez's recent stint with the Mud Hens showcased a noticeable improvement in his command and control. He consistently hit the strike zone, limiting walks and generating a high number of ground balls – a crucial element for any successful reliever. His fastball velocity remains impressive, and he's effectively incorporated his breaking balls to keep hitters off balance. This performance suggests a significant leap forward in his development, leaving many wondering if he's finally ready to solidify the Tigers' bullpen.

Addressing the Bullpen's Shortcomings

The Tigers' bullpen struggles aren't solely about a lack of talent. Issues with consistency, injury management, and a reliance on high-leverage pitchers in low-leverage situations have all contributed to the instability. Hernandez's ability to eat innings and provide reliable middle relief could be the crucial ingredient to solve this problem. His presence could allow Hinch to better manage the workload of his high-value relievers like Lange and Jason Foley, preserving them for crucial late-game situations.

• Improved Command: Hernandez's improved strike-throwing ability directly addresses one of the bullpen's biggest weaknesses.
• Ground Ball Rate: His high ground ball rate minimizes hard contact, leading to more efficient innings.
• Inning Eater: His ability to pitch multiple innings provides valuable length, a resource often lacking in the Tigers' bullpen.

The Road Ahead for Hernandez and the Tigers

While Hernandez's recent performance is encouraging, it's crucial to remember that it's still a small sample size. Sustaining this level of performance over an extended period will be key to proving himself as a reliable bullpen contributor. However, the early signs are undeniably positive.

The Tigers need reliable arms to complement their established relievers. Hernandez's emergence could be the difference between a struggling bullpen and a reliable, consistent unit, potentially turning the tide in the team’s performance. His presence could significantly impact the Tigers' chances of competing for a playoff spot. Only time will tell if Hernandez is the definitive answer to the Tigers' bullpen woes, but his recent performance certainly offers a ray of hope for Detroit fans.

What are your thoughts on Carlos Hernandez's potential impact on the Tigers' bullpen? Share your predictions in the comments below!