Elieser Hernandez may not have been on anyone’s radar heading into 2020, but it is time to pay attention to the Miami Marlins righty.
It was easy to overlook Elieser Hernandez coming into the 2020 season. Not only do the Miami Marlins fail to grab national attention, but Hernandez had posted a lifetime 5.11 ERA in his 148 innings between the bullpen and rotation. Add in his 5-12 record and lack of saves, and it was very difficult to get excited about Hernandez coming into the season.
But there was reason for hope deeper into the numbers. His 3-5 record and 5.03 ERA in 82.1 innings in 2019 did not stand out, but his other numbers did. Hernandez posted a 1.239 WHiP, striking out 85 batters with 26 walks. His 20 homers allowed was a surprisingly high amount, considering that he had posted excellent marks in exit velocity.
Based on the numbers, it was possible that Hernandez could be a breakout star in the Marlins rotation this year. The opportunity was there, and when he earned the fifth starter role, Hernandez became someone to keep an eye on.
So far, he has delivered. Very quietly, he has been the Marlins best starter this season, posting a 2.29 ERA and a 0.763 WHiP. In his 19.1 innings, Hernandez has issued three walks while striking out 25 batters. Opponents have mustered a mere .169/.224/.338 batting line in 76 plate appearances against him.
While Hernandez is going to face some regression, the advanced metrics bear out his hot start. He has a 3.38 FIP, which is still a very respectable number. Hernandez has an expected batting line against of .206/.239/.382, which would still be phenomenal.
There are still some concerns. He has to prove that he can handle navigating a batting order for the third time through the lineup. But he is a soft fly ball pitcher in a pitcher friendly ballpark who generates a lot of swinging strikes. The potential is there.
And it is manifesting this season. It is time to start paying attention to Miami Marlins starting pitcher Elieser Hernandez.