New York Mets Place Elieser Hernandez on IL

The Mets' pitching depth has taken another hit.

Depth starter Elieser Hernandez will begin the season on the IL due to a right shoulder strain, as GM Billy Eppler told reporters on Wednesday.

According to Eppler, Hernandez was experiencing some soreness coming out of a game late last week. It lingered, which resulted in him taking anti-inflammatory medicine. Hernandez has begun playing catch after being shut down for a few days. He "feels fine," but will need to be built back up a bit.

Hernandez had a rocky spring, posting a 7.45 ERA and 1.76 WHIP in five appearances (one start).

The Mets acquired Hernandez and pitcher Jeff Brigham from the Miami Marlins during the offseason in exchange for Franklin Sanchez and a player to be named later, which turned out to be outfielder Jake Mangum. 

Hernandez, 27, is viewed by the Mets as a depth starter, so he'll likely be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse once he is ready to come off the IL.