Hernandez Taken by Astros in 40th Round

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami second baseman Alex Hernandez became the seventh Hurricane selected in the 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Saturday afternoon, when the Houston Astros selected him in the 40th round.

The standout second baseman was selected No. 1,186 overall.

Hernandez played in all 125 games of his two-year career after coming to Miami from Palm Beach State College. The West Palm Beach, Fla. native made numerous outstanding defensive plays at second base for the Hurricanes.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Hernandez registered 53 hits, 10 doubles, 25 runs batted in and 25 runs scored in 2014.

Hernandez set a career-high with four hits in the series finale against Clemson (April 27). He also led the team with a .455 average in the series against Florida (Feb. 21-23).

Hernandez becomes the second Hurricane to be selected by Houston in the 2014 MLB Draft joining Bryan Radziewski (ninth round). Five other Canes were selected in the Draft: Andrew Suarez (second round, Washington Nationals), Chris Diaz (fifth round, Atlanta Braves), Dale Carey (seventh round, Washington), Javi Salas (10th round, Milwaukee Brewers) and Tyler Palmer (21st round, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).