Most players aren’t allowed a graceful exit from baseball. Félix Hernández wasn’t expected to pitch forever, but his graceful transition from a 100-mph teen to a 92-mph sinkerballer with a changeup unlike any in MLB history made it feel as though his aging curve had more roses than brambles lining its path. Instead, the King has tumbled headfirst into a thicket.
His ERA/FIP/DRA is 5.73/5.03/5.31. He’s been, by bWAR, the worst pitcher in baseball this year, at a staggering -1.4 WAR. Despite fleeting signs of hope like a strong Opening Day outing and his duel against David Price at home in June, there’s simply been no consistency, and no command.