Herrera attended
Permian High School in
Odessa, Texas. Undrafted out of high school, he attended the
University of New Mexico and played for the
New Mexico Lobos baseball team. It was in college that Herrera developed his screwball (out of dissatisfaction with his
changeup). In 2005, he played
summer league baseball for the
La Crosse Loggers of the
Northwoods League. He was chosen by the
Texas Rangers in the 45th round of the
2006 Major League Baseball draft. in 2009
Cincinnati Reds On December 21, , Herrera was traded by the Rangers along with
Edinson Vólquez to the
Cincinnati Reds for
Josh Hamilton. He made his Major League debut on June 3, , pitching a scoreless inning. Entering the game with men on base and no outs, he induced
Shane Victorino to ground out, and after an intentional walk to
Chase Utley he
struck out both
Ryan Howard and
Pat Burrell. Two days after his debut, he was optioned back to the Triple-A
Louisville Bats to make room on the roster for starting pitcher
Homer Bailey. He was briefly recalled again on June 10, 2008; however, he was sent down just four days later when pitcher
Gary Majewski returned from the
bereavement list. He made just one appearance during his second stint, pitching two innings while giving up three runs on four hits, striking out two. In 2009, Herrera made the Reds out of spring training. He recorded his first victory of his career on June 16, 2009, after relieving
Aaron Harang in the top of the third inning following an extended rain delay. He pitched three scoreless innings, giving up two hits while striking out two.
Milwaukee Brewers On May 23, 2011, Herrera was claimed off waivers by the
Milwaukee Brewers and optioned to the
Nashville Sounds. He was
designated for assignment on June 17, after making two appearances with Milwaukee.
New York Mets On September 1, 2011, Herrera was named as one of the
players to be named later that completed a previous July 12 trade for
Francisco Rodríguez. On January 9, 2012, the Mets placed Herrera on waivers. Herrera was optioned to the Triple-A
Buffalo Bisons to begin the 2012 season, recording a 1.50 ERA with five strikeouts and one save in three games. On April 20, 2012, it was announced that Herrera would require
Tommy John surgery, ending his season. The Mets released Herrera on March 30, 2013.
Long Island Ducks On July 19, 2013, Herrera signed with the
Long Island Ducks of the
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 23 appearances for the Ducks, he posted a 2–1 record and 5.03 ERA with 14 strikeouts across innings pitched. Herrera became a free agent following the season.
Somerset Patriots In 2014, Herrera signed with the
Somerset Patriots of the
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 36 appearances (three starts) for Somerset, he logged a 4–0 record and 3.43 ERA with 35 strikeouts across innings of work. Herrera became a free agent following the season.
Camden Riversharks Herrera signed with the
Camden Riversharks of the
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2015 season. In 37 appearances (11 starts) for Camden, he registered a 7–4 record and 5.04 ERA with 77 strikeouts across 100 innings pitched. Herrera became a free agent after the season.
Long Island Ducks (second stint) In 2016, Herrera returned to the
Long Island Ducks of the
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In eight appearances (six starts) for the Ducks, he posted a 3–1 record and 4.35 ERA with 25 strikeouts across innings of work. Herrera became a free agent after the season. ==Pitching style==