As expected, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon announced that Roberto Hernandez will be added to the rotation and Jeff Niemann will be headed to the bullpen to serve as a long reliever while he tries to build arm strength and regain velocity. Hernandez was signed to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million and incentives worth $1.85 million contingent upon being used as a starter or reliever.
Maddon said the team looks at Nieman as more of a starter more so than they did Wade Davis who was in a similar situation last year. even has struggled with velocity all spring. Though Hernandez was named as the fifth starter he won’t be pitching out of the fifth spot, David Price will start opening day followed by, Jeremy Hellickson, Hernandez, Matt Moore and Alex Cobb.
Although Maddon indicated no timetable on how long Hernandez would stay in the rotation, he expected him to do well. Chris Archer who is starting the season at Triple-A Durham provides will likely get a call up at some point during the season.
