Livan Hernandez Signs with Atlanta Braves

After being released by the Houston Astros earlier in the day, veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez inked a major league deal with the Atlanta Braves.  Hernandez’s new deal with the Braves guarantees him $750,000 and offers another $750,000 in performance bonuses.

Hernandez actually managed to improve his 2012 contract situation in a matter of hours yesterday.  The 37-year-old was released from his minor league deal with the Astros before reaching a major league agreement with the Braves.

Following the signing, Braves general manager Frank Wren told David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Hernandez’s presence in no way impacts the club’s fifth starter competition.  This battle has come down to youngsters Randall Delgado and Julio Teheran, neither of which have stepped up and claimed the final spot in the Braves rotation.

Instead, Hernandez is viewed as a swing man for Atlanta; a reliever and spot starter when needed.

Last season for the Washington Nationals, Hernandez made 29 starts and logged 175 1/3 innings while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 4.47 and 1.397.  Prior to 2011, Hernandez had made at least 30 starts since 1998.  The right-hander has only pitched in relief once over his 16-year career and it came in his first major league appearance with the Florida Marlins in 1996.

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