BREAKING: The Dodgers have signed right hander Jonathan Hernández who opted out of his minor-league deal with the Phillies yesterday, per Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic.

May 19, 2026

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Dodgers Sign New Pitcher Amid Injury Crunch

The Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday signed another pitcher to the roster as injuries mount in the bullpen and starting rotation.

The Dodgers signed right-handed reliever Jonathan Hernández, who opted out of his minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday to join the Boys in Blue, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Chayce McDermott was optioned as a result, manager Dave Roberts said.

What does Jonathan Hernández bring to the Dodgers?

Hernández, 29, hasn’t played in the majors since 2024, appearing for the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners in his time in the big leagues.

In 127 games, he has a career ERA of 4.29.

Mar 12, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Hernandez (72) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

For the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs in 2026, he’s appeared in 15 innings over 13 games, putting up an ERA of 4.80 with one save.

While the numbers might not jump off the page, the Dodgers are in need of arms right now. This weekend alone included multiple players being moved onto the IL and otherwise shuffled onto and off of the roster.

Dodgers’ pitching corps ravaged by multiple injuries

Starting pitcher Blake Snell returned to the Dodgers but managed only one start before he was put on the IL with loose bodies in his elbow.

It’s the same injury that has sidelined star closer Edwin Diaz for the first half of the season.

Much like with Diaz, Snell will miss extended time, though he’s expected to return to action this season, potentially sooner than initially thought.

Charlie Barnes, who was recently acquired from the Chicago Cubs, was activated in Snell’s place, though it wasn’t to be for long.

The Dodgers also signed lefty Eric Lauer, a key contributor on last season’s Toronto Blue Jays, after he was DFA’d by the Jays last week.

Lauer, 30, has struggled so far this season with a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings pitched.

With Lauer joining the Dodgers, the team moved Brusdar Graterol to the 60-day IL.

Graterol recently sustained a setback in his return from injury as his back flared up.

Also injured is reliever Jack Dreyer, who experienced left-shoulder discomfort.

Dreyer’s move to the IL was accompanied by Barnes being optioned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.

To replace that pair of lefties, the Dodgers promoted two right-handers, Paul Gervase and Chayce McDermott.