Guardians pitcher Carlos Hernández relieved to make it back to majors
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Guardians pitcher Carlos Hernández relieved to make it back to majors
Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal
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3 min read
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CLEVELAND — GuardianspitcherCarlos Hernándezsaw first-hand how quickly a situation can devolve into a serious injury or potentially worse.
Now, he hopes his story can be a lesson learned for others — without having to go through it themselves.
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In January, while driving in Venezuela, Hernandez was involved in a car accident that left him with several severe injuries, including a broken femur and a laceration on his left arm deep enough that it almost reached the bone.
Speaking with reporters onSept. 1 at Progressive Field, Hernandez noted he was texting and driving at the time of the accident. Two others in his car were injured as well, but everyone walked away from the accident. It could have been a much different story.
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians infield celebrates after beating the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) celebrates with second baseman Angel Genao (17) after the Guardians beat the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) hits a home run during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) hits a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) rounds the bases after hitting a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) rounds the bases after hitting a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) celebrates after hitting a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) relives pitcher Spencer Arrighetti (45) during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Jo Adell (7) celebrates after hitting a double during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) hits a home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) hits a home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) celebrates after scoring during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) plays the field during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Petey Halpin (0) catches a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Matt Festa (52) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) reacts after striking out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (not pictured) to end the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) reacts after striking out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (not pictured) to end the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) fields a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) reacts after fouling a pitch off his foot during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a single during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) catches a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (not pictured) during the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians infield celebrates after beating the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians infield celebrates after beating the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) celebrates with second baseman Angel Genao (17) after the Guardians beat the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) hits a home run during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) hits a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) rounds the bases after hitting a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) rounds the bases after hitting a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Angel Genao (17) celebrates after hitting a pinch-hit, two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) relives pitcher Spencer Arrighetti (45) during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Jo Adell (7) celebrates after hitting a double during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) hits a home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) hits a home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) celebrates after scoring during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) plays the field during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Petey Halpin (0) catches a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Matt Festa (52) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) reacts after striking out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (not pictured) to end the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) reacts after striking out Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez (not pictured) to end the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) fields a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) reacts after fouling a pitch off his foot during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) hits a single during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
25/25
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays series
Sep 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) catches a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (not pictured) during the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
"I mean, it's a complicated injury and obviously I want to serve as a reminder not to drive and text," Hernandez said via a team translator. "I feel the accident happened right when I was texting in the middle of driving, and it was very intense. … I was really scared, but I hope this serves as a reminder not to drive and text."
Of course, the injuries of those involved in the crash were of top importance. In terms of baseball, it also threatened to end his major league career while he recovered from multiple injuries. He also battled some mental hurdles in finding his way back to the mound.
Guardians relief pitcher Carlos Hernandez throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins, Aug. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.
"Early on, that was a real challenge. The concern was there, knowing there was a chance I might not be able to play baseball again," Hernandez said. "[I'd like to recognize] my therapist, Ursula. She was a key part for me whenever I felt discouraged, that I didn't have the desire to keep going, she was the one [reinforcing] that she will make sure I get back to playing baseball."
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Carlos Hernández stats
Hernandez pitched seven innings for the Guardians last season, the fourth stop along his major league career that has also included time with the Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers. He owns a career 5.14 ERA.
Pitcher Carlos Hernández #43 of the Kansas City Royals is taken out of the game against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning at Target Field on May 28, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 4-2.
He made it back to the majors as a September call-up with the Guardians, joining utility man Daniel Schneemann. Teams are able to expand their rosters from 26 players to 28 for the rest of the regular season on Sept. 1.
Hernandez can offer the Guardians some additional insurance out of the bullpen, while Schneemann adds another layer of defensive versatility. For Hernandez, being on the mound at all was the victory.
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"Also, a special recognition to the organization, because they never left me alone," Hernandez said. "I felt I was always supported in the process, and how the rehab went, and especially all the trainers and the people who helped me be here."
His journey back to a major-league mound over the last several months has given him another lease on his career, if not more. And it was a lesson about texting and driving that nearly changed everything in an instant.
"He's such a good teammate," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "And with what he went through last winter, we're just thankful he's back on the mound pitching, that he's here and we're excited to see him contribute for us this September."
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
