Jonathan Hernandez is poised to be a valuable asset to the Texas Rangers bullpen this season, but whether he will assume the closer role remains to be seen. The team’s success will largely depend on the strength of their bullpen, particularly in the late innings, as they suffered numerous one-run losses in 2022 due to late-game runs given up by the back of the bullpen. However, if Hernandez can return to his 2020 form after being nearly 24 months removed from Tommy John surgery, he has the potential to help lock down those late innings with his impressive pitching abilities.
Jonathan Hernandez needs to record 10+ saves
To make the playoffs, Hernandez will need to meet a few benchmarks that will put the Rangers in the playoff race. First, if he can secure 10 or more saves, limit batters to a .200 batting average against, and maintain a 4 to 1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, he can make a significant impact on the team’s success. However, getting 10 or more saves may be challenging as there has been no indication of who the closer will be heading into Spring Training. It may be a closer-by-committee approach early on to determine who stands out amongst the group. If Hernandez emerges as the closer and reaches this benchmark, it means the closer role has been locked down.
Hernandez has some experience in the closer’s role, having saved four games in 2022, but he doesn’t have the same level of experience as Jose Leclerc. Nonetheless, Hernandez has the ability to become an effective closer; he just needs the opportunity to grow into the role. Moreover, the Texas Rangers need someone to step up and take charge in that role early on to get off to a good start. Hernandez is someone who won’t be intimidated by closing out games.
Hernandez Needs to Hold Batters to .200 average
Another benchmark for Hernandez is allowing a .200 batting average against. If he can accomplish this, it means he’s succeeding in keeping hitters off base and limiting the damage they can do. In 2020, Hernandez held batters to a .218 batting average against him. If he can lower that number even further against both left- and right-handed batters, he has a good chance of achieving this benchmark.
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