Darell Hernáiz Explained

Darell Hernáiz
Team:	Oakland Athletics
Number:	2
Position:	Infielder
Birth Date:	3 August 2001
Bats:	Right
Throws:	Right
Debutleague:	MLB
Debutdate:	March 28
Debutyear:	2024
Debutteam:	Oakland Athletics
Statleague:	MLB
Statyear:	August 15, 2024
Stat1label:	Batting average
Stat1value:	.194
Stat2label:	Home runs
Stat2value:	1
Stat3label:	Runs batted in
Stat3value:	7
Teams:	Oakland Athletics (–present)

Darell Giovan Hernáiz (born August 3, 2001) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball. He made his MLB debut in 2024.

Career

Baltimore Orioles

Hernáiz attended Americas High School in El Paso, Texas.^[1] He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft.^[2] He made his professional debut that year with the Gulf Coast Orioles.

Hernáiz did not play for a team in 2020 due to the Minor League Baseball season being cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.^{[3] [4]} He returned in 2021 to play for the Delmarva Shorebirds. He started the 2022 season with Delmarva before being promoted to the Aberdeen IronBirds.^{[5] [6]}

Oakland Athletics

On January 26, 2023, the Orioles traded Hernáiz to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for pitchers Kyle Virbitsky and Cole Irvin.^[7] He split the season between the Double–A Midland RockHounds and Triple–A Las Vegas Aviators, playing in 131 games and hitting .321/.386/.456 with nine home runs, 71 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. On November 14, 2023, the Athletics added Hernáiz to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.^[8]

On March 26, 2024, manager Mark Kotsay announced that Hernáiz had made the team's Opening Day roster.^[9] He made his MLB debut on Opening Day, March 28. After going 3-29 (.103 batting average) to start the season, Hernáiz was optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas on April 18. He was recalled a week later after fellow infielder Zack Gelof was added to the injury list.^[10] In a May 7 game against the Texas Rangers, Hernáiz was removed early after stepping awkwardly on first base while attempting to beat out a ground ball.^[11] He was subsequently diagnosed with a severe left ankle sprain,^[12] and was placed on the 60–day injured list on May 15.^[13] Hernáiz was activated on August 2.^[14]

Notes and References

1. Web site: El Paso high school baseball star Darell Hernaiz of Americas waits for call from MLB Draft .
2. Web site: Darell Hernaiz selected by Baltimore Orioles in fifth round of MLB Draft .
3. Web site: The Orioles view workouts as 'a romantic part about the draft.' One prospect drove nine hours to get to one . June 4, 2020 .
4. Web site: With season in question, Americas grad Darrell Hernaiz continues work to MLB . May 29, 2020 .
5. Web site: Americas graduate Darell Hernaiz continues to rise in Orioles' organization . April 21, 2022 .
6. Web site: Former Americas baseball player Darell Hernaiz shines in Baltimore Orioles organization .
7. https://www.mlb.com/news/cole-irvin-orioles-trade "O's deal for southpaw Cole Irvin from A's," MLB.com, Thursday, January 26, 2023.
8. Web site: Athletics' Darell Hernaiz: Selected to 40-man roster. March 26, 2024. cbssports.com. en.
9. Web site: Athletics' Darell Hernaiz: Wins spot on roster. March 26, 2024. cbssports.com. en.
10. News: Athletics' Darell Hernaiz: Back in big leagues . CBSSports.com . 25 April 2024 . en.
11. Web site: Athletics' Darell Hernaiz: Early exit with injury. May 18, 2024. cbssports.com. en.
12. Web site: Athletics' Darell Hernaiz: Dealing with severe ankle sprain. May 18, 2024. cbssports.com. en.
13. Web site: Athletics' Darell Hernaiz: Transferred to 60-day IL. May 18, 2024. cbssports.com. en.
14. Web site: Athletics Reinstate Darell Hernaiz. August 2, 2024. mlbtraderumors.com. en.