Dodgers Sign Jonathan Hernández, Move Ben Casparius to 60-Day IL in Roster Shuffle
Dodgers sign Jonathan Hernández and place Ben Casparius on 60-day IL while optioning Chayce McDermott to Triple-A in latest roster moves.
SAN DIEGO, CA—Earlier today, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the signing of free agent pitcher Jonathan Hernández, who recently opted out of his minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
However, in order to make room on the roster for Hernández, the Dodgers announced they’ve transferred right-handed arm Ben Casparius to the 60-day injured list and optioned right-hander Chayce McDermott to Triple-A.
Ben Casparius Placed on 60-day IL; McDermott Optioned
Casprius has been sidelined on the Dodgers injured list since April 13th after dealing with right shoulder inflammation.
Not much is known about Casparius’ recovery from the injury, other than Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stating the team would take their time with his recovery process.
The shift to the 60-day IL now ensures the earliest we’d see Caspairus activated would be June 12th, but a possible second-half return is more likely.
Chayce McDermott was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to clear a roster spot for Hernández. McDermott had been called up earlier Sunday to replace left-hander Charlie Barnes, who joined the roster Friday and appeared in both games during his brief stint before Sunday’s move.
Jonathan Hernández Joins the Bullpen
Hernández originally signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent in 2013 and quickly developed into one of the organization’s notable prospects, earning a spot on the team’s Top 30 list by 2016.
He made his MLB debut in 2019, appearing in 9 games and posting a 4.32 ERA over 16.2 innings. The following season, he carved out a larger role in the bullpen, improving to a 2.90 ERA across 31 innings while striking out 31 batters against just eight walks.
Hernández has not appeared at the MLB level since 2024, and recent attempts to return to the majors have fallen short. The 2025 season was spent in the Tampa Bay Rays organization on a minor league deal, but no MLB call-up followed.
A subsequent minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies was signed in December 2025, though the deal ended on Sunday after opting out when no major league opportunity materialized.
Hernández enters the Dodgers with 4 years and 96 days of MLB service time and is out of minor league options, having already used them in 2018, 2019, and 2023 with the Rangers. He will wear No. 29 for Los Angeles.