Ryan Fernández was a serviceable reliever for the St. Louis Cardinals last season posting a 3.51 earned run average and 12 holds in 66⅔ innings of work. Over that span right-hander also fanned 71 batters and opponents hit a paltry .235 against the Cuban-American.
This season has been a little rougher on the mound between a slight injury and struggles with mechanics Fernández has struggled to find his form. The hurler has has pitched well over his last three outings and is hoping to finally get over the hump.
With Cuban-Americans now allowed to play with Cuba’s World Baseball Classic squad Fernández is a prime candidate to be approached by the island in the upcoming tournament in March. Below Fernández spoke to us about in array of topics including his interest in playing in the WBC for Cuba.
You’ve struggled somewhat this year compared to last year. But you’ve pitched better as of late. What have you done to read to to re establish the Ryan Fernandez from last year?
Yeah, So kind of early on, I just wasn’t competitive in zone, kind of throwing a lot of balls early on, not really getting ahead of hitters and then when I did get ahead of hitters, I was kind of throwing the ball right down the middle. So I just wasn’t being competitive overall. I think it was just a mostly a mindset change and slightly mechanical, but I think more so mindset just getting back in zone early and attacking hitters and then throwing it out of his own plate.
You have two other Cuban Americans on the roster, you have Nolan and you have John J as a coach. Tell us about your relationship with them and what advice have they given you this this season?
Well, just from my time up here, I haven’t been able to see Nolan too much. And also Jon Jay, But I mean, we’ve talked about some things. Jon Jay was just telling where he’s from or where his family’s from.
Matanzas?
Matanzas Yeah. And then I was telling him that my my mom’s from Havana and my dad’s from Pina de Rio. So it’s cool to just like relate to those guys a little bit, even though I wasn’t born there.
Cuba has for once has been contacting Cuban-Americans to play for them in the World Baseball Classic. Has there been any contact with between you and the Cuban Federation?
No, I mean, it’d be cool opportunity to go play for that team, but they haven’t reached out to me as of yet.