Toronto Blue Jays Release Ramon Hernandez
Jun 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Stephen Fife (59) talks with Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Ramon Hernandez (55) as they walk off the field during the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Ramon Hernandez, we hardly knew you.
Just 10 days ago, the Toronto Blue Jays inked catcher Ramon Hernandez to a Minor League contract, hoping the veteran backstop could provide depth in the system. Unfortunately, that plan did not quite work out, as the Blue Jays today announced (via the Buffalo Bisons) the release of Ramon Hernandez.
The 37-year-old Hernandez appeared in just five games with the Bisons, accumulating 19 at bats and only 2 hits in the process. He played in 17 games this season with the Los Angeles Dodgers before being designated for assignment on June 22nd, posting a .208 average with 3 home runs and 6 RBI.
A 15-year veteran, Hernandez enjoyed his best season in 2006 with the Baltimore Orioles. In 560 plate appearances for the Orioles that season, Hernandez his .275 with 23 home runs, 91 RBI, a .822 OPS, and a 4.2 bWAR. He would make his lone All-Star appearance in 2003 as a member of the Oakland Athletics.
The signing of Hernandez was a curiosity to most fans at best, as most could not understand the need to pick him up or what contributions he could possibly be counted on for. Tuesday’s roster move ends that curiosity, allowing Hernandez to move on to another team and another fan base that can question signing a 37-year-old husk of a catcher.