Royals claim pitcher Gaby Hernandez from Red Sox

The Royals announced today that the club has claimed right-handed pitcher Gaby Hernandez off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.  To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals placed right-handed pitcher Henry Barrera on the 60-day D.L. as he continues to rehab from “Tommy John” surgery on his right elbow.  Barrera will be eligible for reinstatement on June 3.

The 23-year old Hernandez was 10-9 with a 5.23 ERA in 26 starts for Tacoma (AAA) in the Seattle Mariners organization in 2009.  He was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox on February 10, 2010 before being designated for assignment on March 1.  The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is 46-45 with a 4.27 ERA in a six-year professional career after being selected by the New York Mets in the third round of the 2004 June Draft.  He was dealt to the Florida Marlins on December 9, 2005 for All-Star catcher Paul LoDuca.  Born and raised in Miami, Hernandez pitched in the Marlins chain for two and a half seasons.  He was a Southern League All-Star (Double-A) in 2007.  The Marlins traded him to the Mariners for veteran pitcher Arthur Rhodes on July 31, 2008.

Barrera, 24, made only four relief appearances for Wilmington (A) in an injury-shortened season in 2009.