Wilkel Hernandez
Wilkel Fernando Hernandez is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO League.
Career
Los Angeles Angels
On July 2, 2015, Hernandez signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent. He made his professional debut in 2016 with the Dominican [Summer League Angels].Hernandez split the 2017 season between the rookie-level Orem Owlz and rookie-level Arizona League Angels. In 12 appearances for the two affiliates, he posted a cumulative 4–1 record and 2.64 ERA with 44 strikeouts across innings pitched.
Detroit Tigers
On December 13, 2017, Hernandez and Troy Montgomery were traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Ian Kinsler. He made 12 starts for the Low-A Connecticut Tigers and Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps in 2018, registering a 2–7 record and 5.10 ERA with 45 strikeouts across innings pitched.Hernandez made 21 starts for West Michigan during the 2019 season, logging a 9–7 record and 3.73 ERA with 90 strikeouts across innings pitched. He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On November 11, 2020, it was announced that Hernandez would miss the entirety of the 2021 season after undergoing ulnar [collateral ligament reconstruction|Tommy John surgery].
Hernandez returned to action in 2022 with the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers. In 14 appearances for Lakeland, he pitched to a 3–5 record and 4.50 ERA with 51 strikeouts over 44 innings of work. Hernandez made 26 appearances for West Michigan during the 2023 season, posting a 3–8 record and 3.65 ERA with 97 strikeouts over 106 innings of work.
Hernandez began the 2024 season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, posting a 5–7 record and 4.34 ERA with 108 strikeouts in innings pitched across 28 appearances. He elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2024.
On December 12, 2024, Hernandez re-signed with the Tigers organization on a minor league contract. He made 34 appearances for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens in 2019, compiling a 3–7 record and 4.80 ERA with 96 strikeouts and one save across innings pitched. Hernandez elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2025.