Astros acquire RHP Nick Hernandez from Padres

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Nick Hernandez from the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash considerations. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Dana Brown.

Hernandez, 29, has pitched his entire season at Triple A El Paso in the Padres organization, posting a 1.90 ERA (5ER/23.2IP) in 17 appearances. He’s struck out 34 hitters in 23.2 innings, while allowing a .224 opponent average in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Hernandez has pitched in parts of seven minor league seasons (2016-19, 2021-24), appearing at the Triple A level in each of the last four years. He owns a career 3.03 ERA (108ER/320.2IP) in 228 minor league games. Hernandez also has Major League action, appearing in two games for the Padres in 2023 (4ER/3IP).

Hernandez was originally an Astros draft pick, and was selected out of the University of Houston, in the 8th round of the 2016 draft. He spent six seasons in the Astros system (2016-22) before reaching minor league free agency following the 2022 season.