The Philadelphia Phillies are continuing to march toward the 2025 MLB season's halfway point now that June is here. Rob Thomson's club hasn't had the smoothest campaign; however, any hiccups so far are mostly negligible considering that the Phillies own a 37-23 record through 60 games, putting them one game behind the Chicago Cubs for the National League's top spot.
As great as things have been, the Phillies' record would be even better if certain slumping veterans were playing up to expectations. While some struggling players are still trending in the wrong direction in June's early days, one Philadelphia hurler has been doing everything he can lately to keep his roster spot.
Phillies RHP Carlos Hernandez Is Doing Everything He Can to Stay in Philly
Veteran reliever Carlos Hernandez is someone who was on thin ice with Phillies fans not too long ago. The 28-year-old right-handed hurler was claimed by Philadelphia off outright waivers back in March as he sought out a fresh starter following nearly a decade in the Kansas City Royals organization.
At first, claiming Hernandez seemed like a mistake. The Venezuelan reliever performed like one of the worst players at his position early on, pitching to a 6.75 ERA with only 14 strikeouts in 16 innings across his first 16 relief appearances. Needless to say, his inconsistencies made him difficult to trust in late-inning situations.
The threat of being kicked to the curb may have lit a fire beneath Hernandez, though, because he's looked like a different player in recent weeks. In seven innings across as many outings since May 17, the 6-foot-4 righty has pitched his way to a 3.86 ERA with seven strikeouts and a hold. He allowed zero runs five times during that stretch, which are games the Phillies have a 4-1 record in.
If his early struggles are truly in the rearview, Hernandez may have saved his Phillies job for the 2025 campaign, at least. The bullpen needs as much help as possible after Jose Alvarado was hit with an 80-game suspension, so Hernandez continuing with his current form would make Philadelphia's life a lot easier.
Hopefully, his recent success is a sign of things to come, and Hernandez continues to be a bright spot in the bullpen. The Phillies will need him (and the rest of the relievers) playing to their full potential to capitalize on the club's +1000 odds (T-4th) to win the 2025 World Series on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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