Darwinzon Hernandez (COVID-19) cleared to rejoin Red Sox

BOSTON --- Darwinzon Hernandez has been cleared to rejoin the Red Sox.

The left-hander was the last of four players who have recovered from a bout with COVID-19. Hernandez threw a light bullpen session Tuesday prior to Boston’s exhibition contest with the Blue Jays.

"I know he has been throwing, but we really don’t know how much and what effort he’s been giving," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. "We’re going to get a read on him and try to build [...]

BOSTON --- Darwinzon Hernandez has been cleared to rejoin the Red Sox.

The left-hander was the last of four players who have recovered from a bout with COVID-19. Hernandez threw a light bullpen session Tuesday prior to Boston’s exhibition contest with the Blue Jays.

"I know he has been throwing, but we really don’t know how much and what effort he’s been giving," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. "We’re going to get a read on him and try to build him up as we can."

Hernandez tested positive at home and traveled to Boston over the weekend. He joins infielder Bobby Dalbec and fellow pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Josh Taylor among those who got off to a late start at Summer Camp. Hernandez, Rodriguez and Taylor were all placed on the injured list last week.

"Those pieces, especially (Hernandez and Taylor) – we know we’re going to be without them for a while," Roenicke said. "We know we’ll be without Eduardo for a while."

Hernandez flashed elite potential in 29 appearances as a rookie, striking out 57 in just 30 1/3 innings. Cutting down on the 26 walks he issued will be key to his long-term success.

Fellow left-hander Bobby Poyner was dropped from the player pool to clear a spot for Hernandez. The Red Sox will retain Poyner’s rights since he was technically serving as an injury substitute for Hernandez. Poyner had reported to McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket and threw a bullpen session over the weekend.

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