Red Sox breakout candidates for the 2020 season

BOSTON, MA - JULY 30: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 30, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 30: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 30, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Red Sox RP Darwinzon Hernandez:

Darwinzon Hernandez originally signed with the Red Sox as an international free agent in 2013, as a 16-year old. Now he is 23 years old, competing in his second season with the Red Sox.

After a strong Spring Training in 2019, he made his major league debut as a reliever back in April, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings against the Tigers.

Hernandez was used mostly as a starter in the minors, which led to the Red Sox calling him up in June to make his first career start. He earned the loss after giving up 5 walks and 4 runs in 3 innings. The Red Sox ultimately decided he would be used as a reliever for the remainder of the season.

In total he played in 29 games (1 start) with the Red Sox in 2019. He went 0-1 with a 4.45 ERA while striking out 57 batters in only 30.1 innings pitched.

In Spring Training this season, Hernandez only made one appearance, pitching 1 inning and giving up 2 hits and 1 run. He has also pitched in 17 simulated games, where he has an ERA of 2 in 18 innings pitched.

He has probably the most upside out of all of the pitchers that are in the bullpen. He is someone that is primed to surprise many. He has been a highly touted prospect ever since the Red Sox signed him. If all goes well, he can be a pivotal part of the Red Sox bullpen in 2020.

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