The Oakland Athletics have sent infield prospect Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas. The running assumption is that Brent Rooker will be activated from the 10-day IL, though the A's haven't officially announced a corresponding move as of this morning.
Hernaiz had spent time playing shortstop and third base over the past three weeks but never found his footing at the plate. In 32 plate appearances, Hernaiz hit .103/.156/.103 with 10 strikeouts and just 2 walks. He also committed 2 errors in the field.
It's certainly a small sample size but Hernaiz hadn't done enough to warrant more playing time in Oakland. He was very good in the minors in 2023, posting a .321/.386/.456 slash line with 9 homers, 12 steals, and strong defense on the left side of the infield.
That success didn't carry over into the majors this spring but he will likely find his way back to Oakland before the year is over.
Will Brent Rooker be activated prior to Friday's game against the Guardians?
As of now, the running assumption is that Brent Rooker will be activated off the 10-day IL prior to the start of this weekend's series in Cleveland. Rooker was eligible to come off the IL on Thursday but the A's had the day off so there was no need to make the transaction official.
The A's are lined up for a 10-game road trip starting with a three-game set against the Guardians this weekend. Hernaiz's demotion should create a bit more opportunity for utilityman Max Schuemann, who will be able to fill in the gaps on the left side of the infield and at any of the three outfield positions.
With JD Davis still on the IL, Abraham Toro will likely take over the everyday role at third base. Toro's bat has been hot to start the year. He's hitting .250 with a .316 OBP and serviceable infield defense.
Nick Allen will work as the primary shortstop with Hernaiz down in Triple-A. Schuemann can handle the position defensively but other than that, there isn't anyone on the active roster that you'd feel comfortable playing there consistently.
The A's only other options there are Aledmys Diaz, who is on the 60-day IL with no projected return date, and Jordan Diaz who isn't capable of playing there every day.
The A's will have to make a move prior to the start of tonight's game. It would be a surprise if it were anyone but Rooker coming to Oakland but it's not impossible that Jordan Diaz or Tyler Soderstrom get called up. We'll see what happens.