DODGERS HOPE HERNANDEZ CAN HELP
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Roberto Hernandez from the Philadelphia Phillies for two players to be named later (Jesmuel Valentin and Victor Arano-August 28 2014).
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The recent hip injury to star starter {P Josh Beckett} necessitated this move by the NL West-leading Dodgers. With lefty rotation option {P Paul Maholm} also injured (with a torn ACL) and L.A. seemingly not ready to give starts to any of their minor-league prospects, veteran Hernandez should help them continue locking down a playoff spot. Expect Hernandez to step in to provide solid starts and innings at the back of the rotation.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
Philly is decidedly out of it this season, so moving the aging Hernandez for some future assets makes sense. Righty {P Sean O'Sullivan} has been called up to take Hernandez' spot in the rotation.
Fantasy impact
It's hard to like Hernandez as a fantasy option, even now that he's pitching for the contending Dodgers. He doesn't strike many batters out (although his ERA should remain solid and his wins total should get a boost). O'Sullivan is not fantasy-worthy, especially considering his struggles in two starts this seaon for the now-retooling Phillies.
