MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Rangers in 2019
By Sean Sears
2. Jonathan Hernandez, RHP
Jonathan Hernandez amped up the velocity on his fastball after consistently sitting around the low 90’s. The 22-year-old now can hit 97 MPH with ease and can even crank it up to 99 MPH. Hernandez has been in the Rangers system since he was 16 years old and finally made the jump to Double-A in 2018. He’s a guy the Rangers are very familiar with and that should go a long way in him eventually making Texas’ 25-man roster this season.
He struggled a bit in 64 IP in AA last season, with a 4.92 ERA walking 36 batters, but Hernandez has historically started slow and worked his way into success. So far, the right-hander has already shown improvement with a 3.45 ERA, 18 strikeouts and only seven walks in 15.2 IP. Hernandez just needs to show he can adjust and continue to find the strike zone in Double-A. Once he does, he should find his way into the Rangers rotation in 2019.