Hernandez is expected to make his 2015 Grapefruit League debut Monday against the Blue Jays, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports. Hernandez, who is competing for the Astros' fifth starter opening, will likely pitch two innings Monday in relief of starter Collin McHugh.

Hernandez expects to be ready to pitch in Grapefruit League games after his scheduled bullpen session Saturday, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports. Hernandez was a late arrival to spring training Wednesday night, but he had been throwing at the Astros' complex in the Dominican Republic while awaiting his visa. He'll now enter the mix for Houston's fifth starter opening.

Hernandez received his visa and is expected to arrive to Astros camp Wednesday night, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Hernandez is scheduled to travel to Florida from his native Dominican Republic on Wednesday night and take a physical at Osceola County Stadium on Thursday. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said the veteran right-hander has been throwing at the Astros' complex in the Dominican Republic, but acknowledged he''s behind after missing nearly two weeks of camp. Upon his arrival, Hernandez will compete for the fifth spot in Houston's starting rotation with Brad Peacock, Dan Straily, Alex White, Asher Wojciechowski, Samuel Deduno and Jake Buchanan.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch expects Hernandez (personal) to arrive in camp this week, MLB.com reports. "I'm expecting him to get here this week," Hinch said. "He's assured me he's throwing bullpens and he's ready to go." Hernandez, who went 8-11 with a 4.10 ERA in 32 games (29 starts) for the Dodgers and Phillies last season, assured the Astros he's not having problems obtaining his visa. "No visa problems, it's just taking a long time," Hinch said. "He's going to have no problem getting a visa. We signed him late and he has a lengthy process to go through. We're hopeful. We can't wait to see him."

Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Hernandez has not yet arrived to spring training and doesn't know when to expect him, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Hernandez's visa issue has delayed his arrival to Astros camp longer than expected. While he's expected to compete for Houston's final rotation spot upon his arrival to spring training, his chances of actually landing the job will depend on how quickly he shows up.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow anticipates Hernandez "should be here (spring training), we're hoping Tuesday, but I'm not going to put an exact time on it," Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.A visa issue delayed Hernandez's arrival to Astros camp, but it sounds like he will join his teammates early next week. The veteran right-hander is expected to compete for Houston's final rotation spot during spring training.

Hernandez may be a late arrival to Astros camp due to a visa issue, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.Hernandez, who recently signed a minor league contract with the Astros on February 12, is trying to secure a work visa on a quick turnaround before pitchers and catchers report to camp on Friday. Manager A.J. Hinch is aware of the issue, but hasn't been told for sure that the veteran righty will be late to spring training.

Fernandez signed a minor league contract with the Astros on Thursday that includes an invite to spring training, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.Hernandez finished the 2014 season with respectable, if unspectacular, numbers (4.10 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) despite a disappointing run with the Dodgers over the final two months. However, his 10.1% walk rate was his worst since 2009 (when he pitched under the assumed name of Fausto Carmona) and his .266 opponents' BABIP was nearly 30 points below his career mark (.292). The final rotation spot in Houston figures to come down to Hernandez and Dan Straily.

Hernandez gave up three runs and four walks in 5.2 innings pitched against the Rockies on Friday in a no-decision. All Hernandez needed to do was get one more out in the sixth inning to pick up the win, but his 101-pitch effort along with a lefty-against-lefty matchup got Hernandez pulled. Hernandez has been a so-so pickup for the Dodgers, but he has eaten innings in a time of need.

Hernandez lasted only 3.2 innings after allowing two runs on six hits with two walks and a strikeout Monday against the Rockies. Hernandez was yanked after the Rockies loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth. The move worked as Paco Rodriguez induced a Charlie Blackmon groundout to end the threat. The right-hander hasn't pitched past the fourth inning in three September starts, going 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA over that span. Hernandez will face the Cubs in Chicago on Saturday.