ATLANTA, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Braves continued to reshape their bullpen Wednesday, agreeing to terms with veteran righthander Roberto Hernandez on a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal reportedly is for $600,000 with incentives that could increase the value to $1 million.
Hernandez, 38, was 1-3 with 26 saves and a 4.33 ERA in 53 games as the closer for Kansas City last season. With Atlanta, he should serve as a setup man for John Smoltz.
"That's what we see him as," said Braves General Manager John Schuerholz. "But that decision is up to Bobby (Manager Bobby Cox)."
It will be the second National League stint for Hernandez, who was 5-2 with a 2.48 ERA in 28 games down the stretch for the San Francisco Giants in 1997. He has spent most of his career as a closer in the American League, accumulating 316 saves with the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay, and Kansas City.
Since losing to San Francisco in the NL Division Series, the Braves have allowed relievers Mike Remlinger, Chris Hammond, Kerry Ligtenberg, and Tim Spooneybarger to depart, replacing them with Ray King, Mike Venafro and Hernandez.
