Hernandez allowed one run on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Monday, striking out four in the win over St. Louis. He did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez wasn't too efficient Monday, throwing just 40-of-72 pitches for strikes. However, the only real blemish on his line was a solo homer hit by Matt Carpenter in the second inning. Hernandez lowered his season ERA to 3.46 in 13 innings this season. He's slated to make his final start of the season at home against Detroit this weekend.

Hernandez is slated to start Monday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez will be back on the mound for the first time since Sept. 12, when he gave up three runs -- all on solo home runs -- over three innings in his first MLB start. With Kansas City recently demoting Jakob Junis to the alternate site, Hernandez looks poised to remain in the rotation for the final week of the season. After Monday's outing, Hernandez will line up for another start Saturday versus Detroit.

Hernandez gave up three earned runs on three hits and zero walks while striking out two in three innings Saturday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

All three hits were solo homers. The 23-year-old pitching prospect had a 1.42 ERA in 6.1 innings (two appearances) out of the bullpen this season, with this marking his first big-league start. He has good stuff, boasting a mid-90s fastball with good sink that can touch 99 mph, but Hernandez had never pitched above Low-A prior to this season, so we shouldn't worry about the results. He is getting opportunities due to his standing on the 40-man roster. Given his age, lack of high-level experience and status on the 40-man, Hernandez's development is being rushed a little. If it doesn't work out in the rotation, he has the stuff to get high-leverage outs in the bullpen.

Hernandez (abdomen) will start Saturday's game against the Pirates, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has made two appearances in long relief this season and suffered a stomach contusion in his last outing. However, he'll be healthy enough to make his first major-league start Saturday as Matt Harvey will be demoted to a bullpen role. Hernandez has been effective over his limited major-league sample, recording a 1.42 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 6.1 innings during his two appearances. It's unclear whether the right-hander will remain in the rotation to end the season or whether he'll return to a bullpen role following Saturday's start.

Hernandez was diagnosed with a stomach contusion after leaving Sunday's game against the White Sox, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez appeared to take a line drive to his stomach Sunday, but he was able to walk off the field under his own power. He appears to have avoided a serious injury.

Hernandez left Sunday's game against the White Sox after being hit by a comebacker, FOX Sports Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

We're still awaiting official word from the Royals, but it appeared as though Hernandez took the line drive to his stomach. He walked off the field under his own power. The righty was making his second big-league appearance.

The Royals recalled Hernandez from their alternate training site ahead of Sunday's game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Kansas City has been developing the right-hander as a starter, but his big-league debut will likely come out of the bullpen considering he hasn't pitched above the Low-A level during his minor-league career. Despite his lack of high-level experience, the 23-year-old's big fastball could allow him to find some initial success in the majors as a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen.

The Royals added Hernandez to their 60-man roster pool Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez already possesses a spot on the Royals' 40-man roster, so his inclusion in the pool wasn't totally unexpected. That being said, the 23-year-old right-hander has yet to pitch above the Low-A level, so he won't rank near the top of the list for a callup if the big club requires reinforcements in the rotation.

The Royals optioned Hernandez to High-A Wilmington on March 7.

EDGE Analysis

Kansas City thought enough about Hernandez's long-term potential to protect him from the Rule 5 draft over the winter, even though he's probably at least a couple years away from being ready for the majors. He'll level up to High-A after finishing the 2019 campaign at Low-A Lexington, where he accrued a 3.50 ERA and 43:9 K:BB in 36 frames.

Hernandez was added to the Royals' 40-man roster Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 22-year-old has yet to progress past the Low-A level, but he showed promise in 2019 even after missing extended time with a rib injury. Over 36 innings for Low-A Lexington, Hernandez posted a 3.50 ERA with a 43:9 K:BB. The right-hander is protected from the Rule 5 draft as a result of his addition to the 40-man roster.