Opportunities for the Phillies are coming as Cesar Hernandez hits the DL
Changes have arrived to the Phillies depth chart with the recent news of Cesar Hernandez’ injury. The Phillies second baseman was placed on the disabled list with an oblique injury Sunday afternoon.
Replacing Hernandez on the 25-man roster will be veteran reliever Joaquin Benoit, who comes off the disabled list from a minor knee sprain.
Sunday’s lineup revealed the Phillies plans, at least in the short term, as to how they will handle Hernandez being absent.
Howie Kendrick will transition back to his original position at second base, where he’s played 1,112 of his 1,360 major league games.
The move allows the hot bats of Aaron Altherr and Odubel Herrera to remain active. It also allows the team to continue to showcase trade candidates Michael Saunders and Daniel Nava.
Pete Mackanin’s lineup on Sunday will feature Nava, Herrera, and Saunders in the outfield, and Kendrick at second against the righty Adam Wainwright.
Expect this to be the group against righties and Altherr to join the mix against lefties with Hernandez out.
Don’t expect Kendrick moving to second resulting in the promotion of Nick Williams or Dylan Cozens from Triple-A. The team hopes Saunders can begin to swing a hot bat going into the summer to raise his trade value at the deadline.
The same can be said with Nava in a lighter sense considering he barely made the opening day roster.
Hernandez’ injury also does not mean prospect Scott Kingery will make the jump from Double-A Reading to the major leagues. His promotion to Lehigh Valley could happen sooner than later, but for the time being, he’ll remain in Reading.
Next: Phillies Opposition Roadblock: St. Louis Cardinals
The Phillies will finish their series in St. Louis Sunday afternoon before making a trip to Boston.