# Cuban Yadiel Hernández becomes a rookie in the MLB at 32 years old

**Date:** 09/10/2020

The Washington Nationals selected the contract of 32-year-old rookie Yadiel Hernandez, who played for five years in his native Cuba before signing with Washington in 2016.

Hernández has achieved impressive numbers in the minor leagues, but has yet to play in the majors, stuck in the Nationals' system behind younger outfielders, such as Juan Soto and Víctor Robles.

Washington manager Dave Martínez said that Hernández reminded him of his former teammate Jim Morris, a relief pitcher who debuted in the Major Leagues at age 35 and whose story was dramatized in the Dennis Quaid movie "The Rookie".

"He's an older guy who is trying to make his dream come true and that is to play in the Major Leagues," said Martínez. "Being the guy who tells him, yes, 'Congratulations, you worked very hard, keep doing what you're doing' ... Seeing his face today was incredible".

Hernández hit 33 home runs in 2019 and was the player of the year in Washington's minor leagues. Martínez said the Nationals chose Hernández over other players at the team's alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Virginia, because of his power.

"One, it's a nice story. Two, this guy can hit. This guy can hit home runs," said Martínez. "In a situation where we need a left-handed bat off the bench, he can hit a home run".

Hernández could see playing time in the outfield because Soto, who recently missed five games due to left elbow pain, is limited to designated hitter for now.

Hernández takes the spot on the infielder/designated hitter Howie Kendrick's roster, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left hamstring strain.