Runelvys Hernandez

2013

There was no outlook written for Runelvys Hernandez.

2007

Hernandez drew the ire of the Royals by reporting to camp at 280 pounds and out of shape. It wouldn't have been a problem if it didn't noticeably affect his pitching. After initially granting him a spot in the Opening Day rotation, the Royals shipped him to Triple-A Omaha to build his stamina. He was shaky but did enough to earn a promotion. He was 1-4 with a 7.44 ERA when they sent him down again. The pluses late in the season (an Aug. 26 shutout win over Toronto) didn't outweigh the minuses (a fist fight with catcher John Buck and a 5.97 ERA in September), so the Royals released him in December. He'll likely now provide depth at Triple-A after signing with the Red Sox.

2006

Returning from Tommy John surgery, Hernandez succeeded in 2005 simply by remaining mostly healthy. Despite poor numbers, he continued to show a nasty competitive spirit that resulted in a 10-game suspension for a plunking of Detroit's Carlos Guillen that started a minor brawl. Many questioned his work ethic but he proved them wrong fighting back from shoulder and elbow problems. Continued hard work in the offseason could get him back to top-of-the-rotation form.

2005

A gusty pitcher with gritty toughness, Hernandez was the Royals’ opening day starter in 2003 before elbow and arm problems sidelined him. He missed all of 2004 due to Tommy John surgery but was throwing in the upper 90s in training sessions late in the season. The Royals expect him to be fully recovered in the spring and can’t wait to see what he can do with a healthy arm.

2004

Hernandez fought elbow problems all season, nearly coming back in June, before having surgery in early September. You should discount most of his 2003 stats, as he was pitching hurt most of the time. A good curveball and a great attitude make him a good option to return. However, elbow-ligament-replacement surgery can take over a year to assess recovery.

2003

A strong start to his Double-A season put the 24-year-old right hander on the fast track when injuries and a poor team record opened up a rotation spot in Kansas City. The Royals were careful with his 12 starts, giving him an average of six innings per outing. Tough on right-handed batters, he held them to a .236 average and walked just four. A good mental approach and good stuff make him a strong bet for the 2003 rotation.