Hernandez (hip) remains out of the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez took a notable step forward in his recovery from the hip injury Thursday by facing pitching in live batting practice, suggesting his return to the Phillies' spring lineup could be forthcoming. Manager Gabe Kapler suggested prior to camp that he viewed Hernandez as an "ideal leadoff hitter," but the club's recent blockbuster acquisition of Bryce Harper could ultimately push Hernandez down in the batting order as the skipper looks to find the optimal arrangement this spring.

Hernandez (hip) took batting practice Thursday, Scott Lauber of The Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez still hasn't managed to return to game action, but it's promising to see that he's making strides towards a return from a hip injury. He'll continue to be considered day-to-day moving forward

Hernandez (hip) isn't included in either of the Phillies' split-squad lineups Thursday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Phillies have been encouraged thus far by Hernandez's recovery from a right hip strain, but the second baseman still requires some additional time to heal before being ready to rejoin the lineup. The team hasn't suggested Hernandez's status for Opening Day is in any jeopardy, so he can be viewed as day to day at this juncture.

Hernandez (hip) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's exhibition game against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

The Phillies relayed Tuesday that Hernandez is progressing as expected from his Grade 1 right hip flexor strain, but he's likely still at least a few days away from rejoining the Grapefruit League lineup.

Hernandez (hip) isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez remains without a clear timeline to return to game action after he was diagnosed Thursday with a Grade 1 right hip flexor strain. Non-roster invitee Sean Rodriguez will spell Hernandez at the keystone in Tuesday's exhibition, but Scott Kingery would be the more likely candidate to serve as the primary option at the position should Hernandez's absence stretch into the regular season.

Hernandez is battling a Grade 1 right hip flexor strain and has no timetable for his return, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The second baseman reportedly suffered the injury while running the bases. It's unclear at this point whether his availability for Opening Day will be threatened. If he requires a trip to the injured list, Scott Kingery would likely be the starting second baseman, leaving Maikel Franco the winner of the battle for third base.

Manager Gabe Kapler labeled Hernandez as "an ideal leadoff hitter" earlier in spring training, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has ranked either first or second on the Phillies in starts out of the leadoff role in the past four seasons, slashing .276/.364/.384 while stealing 46 bases across 1,816 career plate appearances out of that lineup spot. Though the 28-year-old's blend of speed and on-base skills back up Kapler's claim, Hernandez's spot in the order was rendered more of a question mark this offseason, when the Phillies added Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto, three established players who should also merit consideration for favorable lineup slotting. Hernandez's status as the incumbent looks like it may be enough to keep him atop the order to begin the season, but he may not have a long leash if he struggles in the early going now that there are some more appealing alternatives available than in years past.

Hernandez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $7.75 million deal with Philadelphia on Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez saw an increase in pay from a season ago, jumping from $5.1 million to $7.75 despite battling a lingering foot injury for the second half of the 2018 season. The Phillies evidently feel confident that their starting second baseman will return to form after getting healthy over the offseason.

Hernandez played with a broken foot for much of the second half of the season after fouling a pitch off his foot in July, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury wasn't serious enough to require surgery and has since healed, general manager Matt Klentak said Tuesday. The effect of the injury can be seen in the second baseman's stats. Through July 20, he was hitting .273/.381/.386 with 14 steals, but after that date he swiped just five bags while hitting .223/.319/.326. If the Phillies trust that his second-half struggles were purely injury-related, Hernandez could return to a spot near the top of the team's lineup in 2019, but if not, the team could potentially look for an upgrade at the position.

Hernandez went 1-for-5 with a solo homer in Sunday's loss to the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

The homer was a leadoff shot off Jose Urena, giving Hernandez homers in back-to-back games for the first time this season and extending his career high total to 13. The second baseman has hit .343 with an .866 OPS over his last eight games.