Hernandez (shoulder) is expected to begin a rehab assignment later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been throwing since mid-March and is now nearly ready for game action. Given how long he's been out, he'll likely need a handful of rehab outings to get up to speed. Hernandez figures to enter the high-leverage mix fairly quickly once he's healthy, as the Royals' top late-inning options have ranged from fine (James McArthur, John Schreiber) to awful (Will Smith) early in the season.

Hernandez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session over the weekend and is scheduled for another Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez landed on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a right shoulder impingement that kept him out of spring training. If Wednesday's session goes well, the right-hander could be cleared to start facing hitters next week, and then head out on a minor-league rehab assignment soon thereafter. Hernandez posted a 5.27 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 77:31 K:BB over 70 innings with the Royals last season.

The Royals placed Hernandez on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right shoulder impingement.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez missed all of spring training with the shoulder issue. He resumed mound work about a week ago, but there's no timetable for his return to the active roster.

Hernandez (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been throwing for nearly two weeks, but this appears to be an increase in intensity. The right-hander's status for Opening Day remains up in the air, but it doesn't seem likely he'll be ready to begin the season.

Hernandez (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a light bullpen session this weekend, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been playing catch the last few days and will do so again Tuesday before progressing to some mound work shortly thereafter. The Royals have not ruled the reliever out for Opening Day yet, but it seems unlikely that he'll have time to ramp things back up by then.

Hernandez (shoulder) played catch over the weekend and will do so again Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was shut down from throwing after a cortisone injection in late February. He's now beginning to ramp up again, though it still seems likely he'll have to miss part of the regular season. Hernandez is likely to join the Royals' bullpen once he's up to speed.

Hernandez (shoulder) received a cortisone injection Tuesday and has been shut down from throwing, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander threw a bullpen session Saturday, but his sore right shoulder didn't respond well after resting for the previous two weeks. It's unclear when Hernandez will resume throwing, but his availability for Opening Day is now very much in question.

Hernandez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday's session marked the first time Hernandez has thrown off a mound in two weeks as he works his way back from right shoulder soreness. The Royals kept the intensity relatively low to begin with, and Hernandez will require several more mound sessions before potentially returning to play in spring training games.

Royals president of baseball operations J.J. Picollo said Friday that Hernandez hasn't thrown off a mound in two weeks because of right shoulder soreness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The good news is he's expected to be cleared for a bullpen session soon and should still be able to tally 6-to-7 live batting practice sessions and/or game appearances before the end of spring training. That should be enough to get Hernandez ready in time for Opening Day, provided he progresses without any setbacks. The hard-throwing right-hander had a terrific first half and dreadful second half in 2023 and will be trying to work his way back into high-leverage appearances.

Hernandez agreed to a one-year contract with the Royals on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old righty has a career 4.90 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 126 strikeouts in 123 innings as a reliever after not panning out as a starter. Hernandez notched four saves and averaged 99 mph on his fastball last season, but he probably won't be the go-to option in that role, barring several injuries ahead of him on the depth chart.