Daysbel Hernández debuted in the Major League in 2023 with Atlanta and pitched in four games. Over that span he had a record of 1-0, but his numbers were generally not good. In three and two-thirds innings pitched he allowed six hits and three earned runs, while posting an earned run average of 7.36. Hernández also retired six batters via the strikeout, walked three and had a WHIP of 2.45 .
This season the native of Pinar del Río, Cuba has been much better. In 14 games with the Braves this campaign he is 2-0 with a 3.07 earned run average and a WHIP of 1.30, a vast improvement from last season. The right-hander has also fanned 19 in 14⅔ and notched a hold out of the pen.
The 28-year-old righty has been key pitcher in relief late in the season for Atlanta and could also provide another serviceable arm for the team if it is to make the postseason. Even if the hurler is not on the playoff roster the season has already been a success for the flamethrowing Cuban.
At some point did you think about quiting baseball?
At first, when they told me that I had a fracture in my throwing elbow and that I had excess bone particles near the injury. I had to have reconstructive surgery on my elbow. This was a little hard stomach and yes there were moments of doubt. I would wake up in the morning and didn’t even want to go to the minor league complex.
What kept you from quiting in the end?
Willpower. I promised my mother before she died that I was going to play with my team from my province in the Serie Nacional and then in the majors. So when I got here to Atlanta, giving up was not an option.
What do you remember most about the moment you were told that you were getting called up Major Leagues?
When the Triple A manager called me, the first thing I did was call my dad and then my brother. At that moment we all cried, but my mother was the first thing that came to mind.
Now you are with Raisel Iglesias and Jorge Soler. How does it help that to have your countrymen on this team?
Playing here with teammates who are Cubans is something very good. I have known Soler for a short time, but Iglesias is always giving me advice. It’s important to have a pitcher like him here because I can learn a lot from him. I always try to watch him when he warms up to see what I can learn.
You spent a long time with Yuli Gurriel in Triple A, now he is with the Royals. Did you learn anything from him?
Yuli is unique. The willpower that man has is amazing. He was always arriving on the field earlier than everyone and always doing things to better himself. At 40 years old they put him to play third base and he did it as if he were still playing in Cuba during his heyday. Seeing him is an inspiration for one not to give up and keep going.
And now that you arrived in the majors, where do you want to go from here?
I want what every player wants. To have a nice career and always help the team you play for in anyway possible.