The Nats have traded second baseman Anderson Hernandez to the Mets for minor league infielder Greg Veloz. Veloz will report to Class A Potomac.
Reliever Saul Rivera has veen recalled from Class AAA Syracuse and will be here in time for today’s game.
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UPDATE AT 11:45 A.M.: Hernandez was surprised to learn of the trade today, but didn’t sound terribly disappointed. He had not been receiving much playing time at all the last three weeks, giving way to Alberto Gonzalez and Ronnie Belliard at second base. Now he’ll return to the Mets, where he started his career before getting traded to Washington last season for Luis Ayala.
“I don’t expect that. I don’t think they’re going to trade me that quick back to New York. It surprised me, but I’m OK with it. I just have to take whatever they want me to do.”
In 105 total games with the Nats the last two seasons, Hernandez hit .272 with one homer, 40 RBI and nine errors.
“I’m satisfied [with my time here],” he said. “When I was with the Mets, I didn’t play every day. They gave me the opportunity to play every day here. I enjoyed it. I didn’t think I was doing too bad. But a couple things happened. I’m a player, so I have to take it.”
Veloz, 21, is a .249 hitter in four seasons in the Mets’ farm system. He’s yet to play above Class A. He’s a switch-hitter, doesn’t hit for much power and doesn’t have the arm to play shortstop on a regular basis. Entering the season ranked as New York’s 22nd-best prospect, according to Baseball America.
Rivera is due to arrive in D.C. in time for today’s game. In the midst of a 25-games-in-25-day stretch, the Nats could use an extra bullpen arm. Rivera may stick up here, but I expect the Nats to call up a position player soon to take Hernandez’s spot. The most likely candidate is Mike Morse, who is hitting .322 in 32 games with Syracuse.
