Being a Rule 5 draft pick Ryan Fernández had an uphill battle to make the ballclub coming out of spring training, but the son of Cuban immigrants had a decent preseason and earned a bullpen spot. Saying Fernández has made the most of it would definitely be an understatement.
The reliever has been very impressive for the redbirds out of the pen this season. The right-hander not only sports a sterling 2.35 earned run average this season, but has also posted an impressive 10.0 SO9 and 1.21 WHIP. Opponents have also hit a measly .223 against the hurler on the campaign.
As of right now Fernández has posted All-Star numbers and if he continues at the pace he is going the Cuban-American could garner some votes for Rookie of the Year come season’s end. In a somewhat disappointing season so far for St. Louis, Ryan Fernández has been a pleasant discovery for the ballclub.
Being of Cuban descent how does it feel to play in Miami?
It’s something nice. I know that this here is like a little Cuba. It’s good to be close to my people here. My parents came from Cuba when they were very little. My first language was Spanish, although now I don’t speak it very well anymore, it is definitely that’s in my blood.
Being from Rule 5 of the draft pick, did you feel pressure to make the club?
Sure, I knew I had to show the team that I could play and compete at this level. That I could help the team at this level and I’m happy that I was able to do that. Hopefully I can continue like that.
In your opinion do you think that you were given the opportunity to succeed in Boston?
Yeah, I think I did. I may not have been standout guy over there. I think I could have done a little better, but after the 2022 season I lost some of my pitches and had to figure out how to get it back. Fortunately, when I came here in the spring and some coaches helped me solve that problem.
Tampa Alonso high-school has three pitchers that have made the major leagues, José Fernández obviously, Alex Faedo and yourself, talk to me about the baseball tradition at that school.
You can’t deny those three names. I know I’m still a rookie. José Fernández was lights out when he played and Faedo has done very well during his time in the major leagues. It’s very nice to be part of that trio that arrived and has been successful in the majors.
You’ve had success as a reliever this year, in your opinion are you an All-Star ?
I can’t say that. I mean I know I’m doing well, but I’m not going to call myself an All- Star.