Guardians RHP Carlos Hernández reveals he was texting before career-threatening car crash in Venezuela

Cleveland Guardians' relief pitcher Carlos Hernández, who has not yet pitched in the 2023 MLB season, revealed on Tuesday that he was texting while driving in Venezuela when he suffered a career-threatening car crash on January 11. He made the disclosure following his addition to the Guardians’ 40-man roster. Hernández urged others not to engage in the dangerous practice, saying, "I want it to serve as a reminder not to drive and text."

The crash left Hernández with multiple injuries, including a broken right femur, a sprained ankle, a broken left arm, and a deep cut into his arm that was nearly to the bone. He expressed his gratitude for being alive, attributing his survival to divine intervention. Through an interpreter, Hernández said, "I feel like I'm here just as a testament of God's will; otherwise, there's no way to explain what has happened to me for normal words."

Hernández, who joined the Guardians last July after being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Tigers, made five appearances in the big leagues, allowing three earned runs in seven innings. The Guardians re-signed him to a minor-league contract in November, two months before the crash. He started the season on the injured list but returned to action in July on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus, where he posted a 5.40 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings.

This comeback culminated on Tuesday when the Guardians included Hernández' contract in their September roster expansion.