Weather delay almost prevents Nick Hernandez from making Astros debut

Nick Hernandez was set to arrive in Houston bright and early ahead of his presumed debut with the Houston Astros early Wednesday afternoon. Mother Nature had other plans.

Hernandez, Houston’s new arm acquired Tuesday in a trade with the San Diego Padres, was scheduled to depart El Paso (home of San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate) at 6:40 a.m. CT. A short flight east was then planned to place Hernandez in Houston’s park with plenty of time before first pitch, but with rain and lightning hitting Texas, the early calm led to some late anxiety. morning.

“Bad weather, lightning delay, so I got there pretty late, about an hour and 15 minutes before the game,” Hernandez said postgame following Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. “I was nervous, but after that first batter, I settled in.”

Changed travel plans did not impact the release of Hernandez, a Houston-area native and pitcher for the Houston Cougars in 2016 and 2017. Hernandez pitched a scoreless, no-hitter start to the ninth inning on 14 pitches, and he noted after the game that his appearance came. in front of his wife and parents. The venue in particular made Wednesday a career highlight for Hernandez, a former 2016 Astros draft pick.

“It’s just exciting to pitch at Minute Maid and pitch for the Astros after being drafted by them,” Hernandez said. “It’s truly a dream come true.”

Hernandez has now checked an item off his career bucket list after riding the same rubber as childhood favorite Brad Lidge. And with the emotion of Wednesday’s debut now in the rearview mirror, Hernandez is now tasked with contributing to the Astros bullpen carrying a heavy load of late. Cristian Javier and José Urquidy will not pitch this year. Spencer Arrighetti will likely have limited innings as a rookie. The back end of Houston’s bullpen has been getting into shape over the past month, living up to preseason expectations. Houston’s middle relief corps will be a major factor given the struggling personnel and need for innings. If Hernandez can continue to deliver clean frames, Wednesday’s appearance at Minute Maid Park will be far from his last.

Hernandez’s flawless inning in debut didn’t secure a victory for Houston, with the St. Louis Cardinals avoiding a sweep Wednesday afternoon. The right-handed reliever will get his next chance to play Friday night, as the Astros prepare to kick off a six-game road trip with the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels.

First pitch Friday is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. Framber Valdez will start for Houston.