The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up a young arm to replace a veteran. The team announced on Tuesday that right-handed reliever Wyatt Mills is being promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City. To make room for Mills on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles has designated right-handed reliever Jonathan Hernández for assignment.
Dodgers Promote Wyatt Mills to Major League Roster
Low Leverage Reliever Let Go
The Dodgers signed Hernández to a major league deal about a month and a half ago, adding depth to a bullpen that is always fighting off the injury bug. The right-hander was originally released by the Philadelphia Phillies. Hernández was used by the Dodgers in a mop-up role or to cover innings. In total, the right-hander pitched 17 2/3 innings with an ERA of 8.15. In addition, he has a high walk total and a low strikeout rate. The 29-year-old still throws hard and has the potential to sign with another team. He did have some success with the Texas Rangers in the recent past across parts of five seasons.
The Dodgers recalled RHP Wyatt Mills and designated RHP Jonathan Hernández for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 30, 2026
A New Arm in Town
For his part, Wyatt Mills has an ERA of 8.10 in 3 1/3 big league innings this season. In that time, he has struck out one. He has fared better in the minors this year, with a respectable ERA of 2.64 and 45 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings pitched. Mills might be a placeholder until former and future closer Evan Phillips comes off the injured list.
Phillips has been rehabbing in the minors over the past month. The veteran right-hander missed nearly all of last season and the start of this season due to Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers want him to complete a full 30 days of rehabilitation and back-to-back outings before being reinstated to the big club. The clock started on June 4th, so Phillips is on the cusp of returning.
Starting Rotation Adjustments
Los Ángeles has already secured a successful road trip. As such, they are making changes in their rotation on the verge of returning home to face the San Diego Padres. Shohei Ohtani was supposed to start on Wednesday in the series finale with the Athletics. However, the Dodgers have elected to go with a bullpen game. Roki Sasaki will pitch the series opener on Thursday while Ohtani will start on Friday.
So far, it looks like the Dodgers are putting the pedal to the metal when it comes to winning.
Main Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
