PAUL HARRIS, PITTSBURGH (May 28, 2026) – The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that right‑hander Seth Hernandez will join the Opening Day rotation, slated to start the second game of the season on March 30. The move follows a dominant spring campaign and a string of injuries that opened a door for the 24‑year‑old left‑handed reliever to transition to a starter role.
Hernandez, who logged a 2.45 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 18 spring innings, earned the promotion after veteran left‑hander Andrew McCutchen (sic) was placed on the 15‑day injured list with a forearm strain. The front office brass said the decision reflects both performance metrics and a strategic shift toward younger arms.
What does the promotion mean for the Pirates’ staff?
The Pirates now field a five‑man rotation anchored by veteran Aaron Nola, rookie left‑hander Luis García, and now‑starter Seth Hernandez. This alignment reduces the bullpen workload by roughly 12 innings per month, according to the team’s internal analytics department. By moving Hernandez to the rotation, the club expects to improve its team ERA and give rookie Luis García a more manageable schedule.
How did Hernandez perform in spring training?
During spring, Hernandez posted a 0.89 WHIP and struck out 22 batters in 18 innings, while limiting opponents to a .210 batting average. His fastball sat at 94‑96 mph with a spin rate of 2,300 rpm, and his slider generated a break of 9‑10 feet, making him effective against both left‑ and right‑handed hitters. The numbers suggest a significant upgrade over the bullpen role he filled last year, where he recorded a 3.60 ERA over 55 innings.
Key Developments
- Seth Hernandez signed a two‑year, $4.5 million contract extension on May 20, securing his salary through the 2028 season.
- The Pirates placed left‑fielder Teoscar Hernandez on the 10‑day IL with a hamstring strain, prompting the team to shuffle the lineup and create a more pitcher‑friendly environment.
- Analytics showed that the Pirates’ run prevention improves by 0.15 WAR per each 0.10 drop in team WHIP, a metric Hernandez is expected to influence positively.
- Hernandez will wear jersey number 36, previously worn by 2015 All‑Star pitcher Gerrit Cole during his brief stint with Pittsburgh.
- Manager Derek Shelton announced that Hernandez will open the season with a six‑start rotation, alternating between a five‑day and a seven‑day rest schedule to maximize durability.
Impact and what’s next for Pittsburgh
With Hernandez in the rotation, the Pirates aim to climb out of the AL Central’s bottom tier. The move also boosts fantasy owners, as Hernandez’s projected 2026 fantasy points rise from 120 to 210 according to CBS Sports projections. If he can sustain his spring strikeout rate, the club could see a sub‑4.00 team ERA for the first time since 2022. Critics caution that transitioning from bullpen to starter can expose stamina issues, but the Pirates’ coaching staff believes his pitch mix and conditioning will offset that risk.
What was Seth Hernandez’s role with the Pirates before the promotion?
Hernandez served as a middle reliever in 2025, appearing in 55 games with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP, primarily handling low‑leverage situations.
How does Hernandez’s fastball compare to other starters in the AL?
His fastball averages 95 mph, ranking in the top 30% among AL starters, while his spin rate of 2,300 rpm places him above the league average of 2,150 rpm, giving his pitches more vertical movement.
Will the promotion affect the Pirates’ bullpen composition?
Yes. The bullpen will lose Hernandez’s 1.12 WHIP contributions, prompting the club to promote left‑hander Enrique Hernandez from Triple‑A to fill the third‑relief slot.