Daysbel Hernández is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023 after signing with the Braves as an international free agent in 2017. Following a break due to Tommy John surgery in 2022, he returned to the field in 2023 and showcased his talents in both minor and major league games. Hernández began his career in the minors and steadily progressed to achieve major league status, with a notable performance in his debut against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Daysbel Hernández Bio
Daysbel Hernández was born on September 15, 1996, in Cuba. He grew up developing his pitching skills in his home country before pursuing a professional career in the United States. His journey from the Cuban baseball system to MLB represents a path taken by numerous talented players seeking opportunities in American professional baseball.
Path to Major League Baseball
Hernández signed with the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent on September 14, 2017. This signing marked his entry into professional baseball and set the stage for his development within the Braves organization. After signing, he spent the remainder of the year preparing for his professional debut, which would come the following season.
Daysbel Hernández Career
Minor League Development (2018–2022)
Hernández made his professional debut in 2018, splitting the year between the Single-A Rome Braves and High-A Florida Fire Frogs. Across 21 games, he accumulated a 4.50 earned run average with 36 strikeouts, demonstrating his potential as a relief pitcher. The following season in 2019, Hernández returned to the Florida Fire Frogs and delivered an outstanding performance, making 35 relief appearances while logging a 1.71 earned run average with 70 strikeouts and recording 7 saves. His dominant season put him on the organizational radar as a prospect with a bright future.
The 2020 season was lost due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hernández returned to action in 2021 with the Double-A Mississippi Braves and Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. He made 36 relief appearances for the two affiliates, recording a 3.83 earned run average with 58 strikeouts and 3 saves across 42 and one-third innings pitched. His ability to pitch effectively at multiple minor league levels demonstrated his readiness for higher competition.
MLB Breakthrough (2023)
Hernández missed the entirety of the 2022 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, a common procedure for pitchers that requires an extended rehabilitation period. He began the 2023 season with High-A Rome, where he made six appearances, logging a 2-0 record and 8.64 earned run average before being promoted to Double-A Mississippi. Prior to his promotion, Hernández recorded a 0.00 earned run average with 26 strikeouts and only four hits allowed between Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett, showcasing dominant stuff.
On July 23, 2023, the Braves promoted Hernández to the major leagues for the first time, and he made his debut later that day against the Milwaukee Brewers. In his debut, Hernández pitched an inning in relief, recording three strikeouts and earning his first career win. This performance immediately validated his promotion and demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. On August 2, Hernández was placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on September 11. Despite the injury setback, he was activated from the injured list and added to the Braves roster for the 2023 National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking his first postseason experience.
Atlanta Braves Era (2024–Present)
Hernández was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the 2024 season, continuing his development in the minor leagues before returning to the major league roster. He made 16 appearances out of the bullpen for Atlanta over the course of the season, registering a 3-0 record and 2.50 earned run average with 26 strikeouts over 18 innings of work. His strong performance solidified his role as a reliable option in the Braves bullpen.
During the 2025 campaign, Hernández made 39 relief appearances for the Braves, in which he compiled a 4-3 record and 3.41 earned run average with 33 strikeouts over 37 innings of work. His consistent contributions helped anchor the bullpen throughout the regular season. On September 12, Hernández was placed on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on September 21, officially ending his season prematurely.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hernández operates primarily as a relief pitcher, specializing in late-inning appearances. His pitch repertoire features a mid-90s fastball that generates swings and misses, complementing a sharp breaking ball that keeps hitters off balance. His ability to record strikeouts has been a consistent hallmark throughout his career, from the minor leagues through his time in Atlanta. His stuff plays particularly well in high-leverage situations where opponents are pressing to score.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hernández’s MLB debut on July 23, 2023, against the Milwaukee Brewers stands as one of the most memorable moments of his career. Not only did he record three strikeouts in his lone inning of work, but he also earned his first career win, an achievement that many pitchers cherish as a career milestone. His addition to the postseason roster for the 2023 National League Division Series represented another significant achievement, exposing him to high-pressure baseball at the sport’s biggest stage.
Daysbel Hernández Career Wins
Across his three seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 2023 through 2025, Hernández has compiled a winning record while contributing as a reliable member of the bullpen. His career statistics reflect consistent performance at the major league level.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Hernández holds an 8-3 win-loss record with a 3.38 earned run average and 65 strikeouts across his MLB career. His debut season in 2023 featured the first win of his major league career against Milwaukee, while he went 3-0 in 2024 with a 2.50 earned run average over 16 appearances. The 2025 season saw him make a career-high 39 relief appearances while posting a 4-3 record with 33 strikeouts before the season-ending shoulder injury.
Minor League Achievements
Prior to reaching the majors, Hernández demonstrated strong performance across multiple minor league levels. His 2019 season with the Florida Fire Frogs was particularly impressive, as he recorded 7 saves alongside a 1.71 earned run average and 70 strikeouts in 35 appearances. His ability to close games in the minor leagues translated into success as a high-leverage reliever at the major league level.
| Series | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (2023–2025) | 8 | 3 | 3.38 | 65 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented Hernández’s most extensive workload at the major league level, as he appeared in 39 relief games for the Braves. He posted a 4-3 record with a 3.41 earned run average and 33 strikeouts over 37 innings of work. His performance through much of the season demonstrated his value as a reliable bullpen arm capable of handling high-pressure situations.
Hernández’s season came to an abrupt end when he was placed on the injured list on September 12 due to right shoulder inflammation. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on September 21, officially concluding his campaign. While the injury was concerning given his previous Tommy John surgery in 2022, his body of work throughout the season suggested he had established himself as a viable major league pitcher when healthy. The Braves will look for Hernández to return to full health and contribute to their bullpen in future seasons.