Nationals call up Cuban rookie, 32, for majors debut

Washington selected the contract of 32-year-old rookie Yadiel Hernandez, who played professionally for five years in his native Cuba before signing with the Nationals in 2016.

Hernandez has put up impressive numbers in the minors but has yet to play in the majors.

Manager Dave Martinez said Hernandez reminded him of his former teammate Jim Morris, a relief pitcher who made his major league debut at age 35 and whose story was dramatized in the Dennis Quaid movie “The Rookie.”

Hernandez was the Nationals’ minor league player of the year in 2019, when he hit .323 with 33 home runs and 90 RBIS for Triple-a Fresno in 2019.

■ Diamondbacks: First baseman Pavin Smith’s contract was purchased from the team’s alternate training site, and corner infielder Jake Lamb was designated for assignment. Drafted seventh overall in 2017, the 24-year-old Smith batted .291 in 123 Double-a games in 2019. Lamb, 29, hasn’t batted better than .222 in any season since being a 2017 All-star.

■ Yankees: Left-handed reliever Ryan Buchter signed a minor league contract. The 32-year-old elected to become a free agent after the Los Angeles Angels designated him for assignment last week.

■ Rangers: Catcher Sam Huff’s contract was purchased from the team’s alternate training site. The 22-year-old had 28 home runs and an .845 OPS in 127 games across two Class-a levels in 2019.

■ Dodgers: Right-hander Walker Buehler was placed on the 10-day IL with the same right-hand blister issue that prompted the 26-year-old to miss two starts from Aug. 21 to Sept. 2.

■ Giants: Left-hander Drew Smyly (left index finger strain) was activated from the IL after missing five weeks, and corner infielder Pablo Sandoval was designated for assignment.

■ White Sox: Left-hander Dallas Keuchel (back spasms) was placed on the 10-day IL.

■ Braves: Left-hander Tommy Milone (inflamed left elbow) was placed on the 10-day IL.

■ Cubs: Veteran outfielders Steven Souza and Ryan Lamarre were released.