April 12th, 1996
Hernandez's Closer Role in Jeopardy?
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- On the heels of losing a second straight decision, there is growing speculation that Roberto Hernandez could lose his role as Oakland's closer. A team source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that team General Manager Billy Beane is pushing Tony LaRussa to demote Hernandez and replace him with Ugueth Urbina and Armando Benitez.
"(Beane) got Urbina and Benitez as closers in waiting," said the source. "The way Roberto is pitching, they may not have to wait that long."
Hernandez is off to a rocky start, going 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA in four appearances. He has yet to strike out a hitter in 2.2 innings pitched. This comes after a breakout season in 1995, in which Hernandez set a career-high with 43 saves.
Urbina, meanwhile, has been unhittable through five appearances, striking out 7 hitters while walking one and allowing no hits in 3.1 innings.
"Ugueth has been great so far," said pitching coach Dave Duncan following Thursday's 8-7 loss in Milwaukee. "He's been one of the few bright spots on our pitching staff."
So has Benitez, who arrived from Minnesota in a trade with the Twins in the offseason. He has posted a 2.45 ERA in 5 appearances, with 5 strikeouts and 1 hit allowed in 3.2 innings.
The A's continue an eight-game road trip Friday in Chicago against the White Sox. Oakland is off to a 2-6 start, tied with California for last place in the American League West.