by Ken Rosenthal

Comment

Hernandez, designated for assignment by the Twins, was claimed off waivers by the Rockies on Tuesday, according to major-league sources. The Twins agreed to let him go on Wednesday.

In 28 the innings he's pitched at Coors Field since 2005, Hernandez has a 3.54 ERA.

The Rockies will pay the approximately $1.6 million remaining on Hernandez's contract for the year. Minnesota is responsible for the incentives Hernandez has already earned this season, which total about $1.5 million. Had the Twins simply released Hernandez, they would have been on the hook for the $1.6 million remaining on his contract, so the move saves Minnesota about $100,000.

At least one other National League club also claimed Hernandez, sources said. The Rockies were awarded the pitcher because they had the worst record of any of the claiming teams.

The defending NL champion Rockies need a pitching boost as they attempt to rally from an eight-game deficit in the NL West. They have been scrambling to fill the back of their rotation all season, and their 4.81 team ERA is third worst in the majors.

Hernandez, 33, was 10-8 with a 5.48 ERA for Minnesota. He won six of his first seven starts but has struggled in recent months, allowing five runs or more in eight of his last 13 starts. Opponents are hitting .341 against him, highest in baseball against a qualifying pitcher. He has a 6.50 career ERA in 13 starts at Coors Field.

The Twins signed Hernandez in February to help fill the void left by the trade of ace Johan Santana, free-agent departure of right-hander Carlos Silva and uncertain status of Francisco Liriano, who was recovering from Tommy John surgery.

After a strong showing in Triple-A, Liriano recently was called up to replace Hernandez in the Twins' rotation.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.