Phillies: Cesar Hernandez sets Indians franchise record

Cesar Hernandez played 832 games with the Phillies from 2013-19; in just his 28th game with the Indians, he already set a franchise record.

Former Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez has played in just 28 games with the Cleveland Indians after playing in parts of seven seasons and 832 games in red pinstripes.

Yet, the 30-year-old Valencia, Venezuela, native has already set an Indians franchise record.

In the team’s Monday evening home matchup opposite the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field, Hernandez led off the game with a 402-foot home run to right field opposite right-hander Kenta Maeda — who entered the contest with a 3-0 record and 2.27 ERA.

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One game prior, during the Indians’ series finale opposite the Detroit Tigers at the same venue on Sunday, Hernandez likewise went yard to start the game, that time against 23-year-old left-hander Tarik Skubal (383 feet to right-center).

With the home runs to lead off consecutive games, Hernandez became the first Indians player all-time to do accomplish the feat, according to MLB.com’s Mandy Bell. Coincidentally, the pair of home runs are the only two so far for Hernandez with the Indians; Hernandez is now just two home runs shy of 50 for his now eight-year career.

The jury is still out as to whether the Phillies will regret parting ways with Hernandez, who began his professional career in their system at just 17 years of age in 2007.

From 2013 to 2019 in the majors with the team, Hernandez slashed .277/.352/.381 with 807 hits — including 113 doubles, 27 triples, and 46 home runs. Hernandez essentially replaced franchise great Chase Utley at the second base position following the trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2016, Hernandez logged the most defense games in the National League as a second baseman (149), as well as the most double plays turned (102). His .981 fielding percentage at the position in 2017 ranked the fifth-best among National League players.

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Not only did the Phillies say farewell to Hernandez this past offseason, but also third baseman Maikel Franco, who is now with the Kansas City Royals. The Phillies have essentially replaced both with the well-known Didi Gregorius and top prospect Alec Bohm, with Jean Segura sliding over to second.

Entering the Indians’ series opener against the Twins on Monday, Hernandez has logged 30 hits, including 10 doubles and a .275/.363/.394 slash, spanning 125 plate appearances.

So far, the Indians have nothing to complain about their newest infielder. After all, Hernandez set a franchise record just 28 games into the tenure with his new team.