Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Monday that Hernandez (shoulder) will make his Cactus League debut Monday, but he unsure whether the reliever will have enough time to prep for Opening Day, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been slow played this spring after suffering a right shoulder injury during last year's postseason. He's come along without any apparent setbacks, but the hard-throwing righty might not have enough runway to show he should be in the Opening Day bullpen.

Hernandez (shoulder) signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Rangers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez had a shaky 2023 season, which he split almost exactly evenly between the majors and Triple-A Round Rock. His 4.3 BB/9 and 1.1 HR/9 served as a bad combination, which led to a 5.40 ERA and 1.58 WHIP while in the big leagues. Hernandez was also sidelined in the playoffs due to a shoulder injury, so his health remains in question this offseason.

Hernandez has been left off the Rangers' AL Wild Card Series roster due to a shoulder injury, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez had an up-and-down 2023 season but finished with five straight scoreless appearances, so this is a hit to a bullpen that can ill afford it. Whether Hernandez could potentially be ready should the Rangers advance to the ALDS is unclear.

Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was optioned to Round Rock in late August but will rejoin the Rangers on Wednesday with Max Scherzer (shoulder) headed for the injured list. Hernandez has struggled to a 6.45 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 25:14 K:BB across 22.1 big-league innings this season.

Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez will head back to the minors following his meltdown in the 13th inning of a 7-6 loss to the Twins on Sunday, when he issued three straight walks to force in the winning run. Glenn Otto was recalled from Triple-A and will take his spot in the bullpen.

Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been ineffective in 21.2 major-league innings this season, struggling to a 6.65 ERA, a mark which more than doubles the 3.23 career ERA he owned prior to that point. His 1.35 ERA at the Triple-A level is far more encouraging, but it comes with a 16.5 percent walk rate. Grant Anderson was optioned in a corresponding move.

Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez entered the season as a candidate for saves, but he's struggled to a 6.65 ERA over 25 appearances. He'll look to get back on track in the minors.

Hernandez allowed two hits and struck out two over a scoreless inning in Monday's 6-4 loss to the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez finished the game following another Texas bullpen meltdown. The fact Hernandez wasn't one of the culprits gives the club a sliver of hope he's getting over a recent stretch of poor results. Expected to be an eighth-inning bridge, Hernandez had allowed eight runs (three home runs) over his last 1.2 innings. This was the second consecutive outing in which he did not pitch in a high-leverage situation.

Hernandez (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits and did not retire a batter, picking up his first loss in Wednesday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Texas was swept by Cincinnati in a series that featured shaky bullpen performances. The relief crew had been strong for the Rangers, but on three consecutive days, several members of the group allowed the Reds to take leads in the eighth inning or later, including two walkoff wins. Hernandez entered the day with a 1.80 ERA over his first 10 outings before Nick Senzel's game-ending, two-run home run.

Hernandez allowed one walk and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 9-1 win over the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

While the final score indicates a blowout, Hernandez and Will Smith provided expert high-leverage relief work in the seventh inning, as Houston loaded the bases with none out and Texas leading, 6-0. Hernandez struck out Martin Maldonado and Mauricio Dubon before walking in a run. It wasn't officially a hold, but it felt like one. Hernandez has allowed two runs, three hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings. The right-hander will continue to pitch in late-game scenarios and could get an occasional save chance.