The season-long stats are in, and oft-criticized umpire Ángel Hernández earned a predictable title for his 2023 work.
According to Umpire Auditor, Hernández graded out as the lowest-rated umpire in Major League Baseball this season among those who umped at least 10 games. In total, Hernández missed more than 160 calls behind home plate this season despite working just 10 games behind the plate due to a back injury that kept him sidelined until August. Hernández also worked what Umpire Auditor graded out as the lowest-rated game by any umpire this season, a Sept. 15th game between the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Angel Hernandez finished the regular season as the lowest rated umpire (min 10 games).
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) October 2, 2023
He didn't get his start until August due to a back injury, but he racked up 161 bad calls in 10 games, including the lowest rated game.
His season may be over, but may our memories live on. pic.twitter.com/or3hweE1yL
It’s nice to see some quantitative data showing Hernández’s failings behind the plate. He also had a high-profile gaffe late in the regular season when he clearly missed a check-swing call that led to a massive Bryce Harper tirade.
Here are some of his greatest misses from 2023:
Angel Hernandez missing 23 calls on August 7thhttps://t.co/EXzOQ3yyAc
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) October 2, 2023
Unsurprisingly, fans piled on when they saw the new low for Hernández.
When we have the technology that actually tells millions of people in real time what is a strike and a ball and MLB doesn’t do anything about it….that’s criminal at highest level. How many games has this guy single handedly effected? 🤔 https://t.co/0fimpzLD2J
— Anthony Orlandi (@AGOrlandi) October 3, 2023
The league average was about 8 bad calls a game and Angel’s was 16!!!!!! How is this even a debate that he is still a MLB ump? https://t.co/C0XHQXz5k7
— TheSpresterShow® (@TheSpresterShow) October 3, 2023
The numbers don’t lie…he should be exiled from baseball.
— Donnie Swiney (@DSwineyEHS) October 3, 2023
If Pete Rose is banned for bettering on the game, why can’t AH be banned for making a mockery of it?
I understand there’s a union, but even union workers have a responsibility to perform at a high level. https://t.co/SrL6uv95bj
It's embarrassing that MLB cannot get rid of Angel Hernandez. The only thing they can do is make sure the only way he gets into a playoff game is through buying a ticket. https://t.co/C5F6SD08l4
— Joe H 🌻 (@JoeH0518) October 2, 2023
Dude only worked two months and he was still the worst. Impressive https://t.co/5L9NkmxMwx
— Ryan Stieg (@RyanStieg) October 2, 2023
Dear @mlb,
— Mike Hirschman (@Hirsch_Tweets) October 3, 2023
It’s time.
Sincerely,
Every Baseball Fan https://t.co/k8T35xfOvz
This is tough to watch https://t.co/n0g2Gjckby
— Fred. (@derf650) October 3, 2023
The good news: Hernández’s season is over after he didn’t receive any playoff assignments.