Yankees are “probably not” going to have interest in Ramon Hernandez

Via Joel Sherman: The Yankees are “probably not” going to have interest in catcher Ramon Hernandez, who was designated for assignment by the Dodgers last week and released yesterday. Because he’s been designated and released, Los Angeles is on the hook for his $3.2M salary and whatever team signs him will only be responsible for the pro-rated portion of the league minimum.

Hernandez, 37, hit .208/.291/.438 (104 wRC+) in only 55 plate appearances for the Dodgers. He hit .217/.247/.353 (45 wRC+) in 196 plate appearances for the Rockies last season while battling pretty severe hand and hamstring injuries. Hernandez, who has first base experience, has graded out as a slightly-below-average defensive catcher in recent years. Austin Romine has been terrible (-17 wRC+), so the Yankees have a chance to upgrade their backup catcher position at a very low cost here. Considering their emphasis on catcher defense and knowledge of the pitching staff, I guess it’s no surprise they aren’t expected to show interest in the freely available Hernandez.