Bucs No. 1 prospect Hernandez K's 6 in latest High-A start
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Even when Pirates top prospect Seth Hernandez isn't at his best, he's still pretty dang good.
The No. 3 prospect in MLB struck out six batters over five innings in his latest start with High-A Greensboro on Thursday against Hub City at First National Bank Field. He also gave up two runs on three hits and three walks in the Grasshoppers' 9-2 defeat.
That's far from a terrible line, but we don't usually see opposing hitters have that much success against the No. 6 pick in the 2025 Draft. It was just the third time in nine starts this season that Hernandez had allowed more than one earned run. That shot his ERA up to a still-magnificent 1.77.
The right-handed Hernandez endured traffic on the bases in almost every inning. His three walks came to the first six hitters he faced, and he dealt with multiple baserunners in three of his five frames. He allowed a two-run homer in the fourth inning to Rangers prospect Gleider Figuereo. It was the sixth home run Hernandez has served up in 40 2/3 innings this year split between Single-A and High-A. Seven of his eight earned runs this year have come via the long ball.
Hernandez did finish strong, retiring the final five batters he faced -- three via strikeout -- after the home run.
Even with the slightly uneven outing, Hernandez's overall numbers as a pro thus far are fantastic. He's up to 68 K's for the season, which is one shy of the Minor League lead. He owns a 43.6% strikeout rate, and batters have a .135 average against Hernandez since he's given up only 19 hits in his nine starts.
His 12.2% walk rate could use some trimming, but that will likely come with time as the 19-year-old with a 100-mph fastball, a 60-grade changeup, a 60-grade curveball and an above-average slider learns to fully harness his enviable repertoire.