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.

Hernandez picked up the save in Tuesday's 11-10 victory over the White Sox. He allowed one run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez allowed a run for a fourth straight appearance, though he'd manage to hang on to a one-run lead Tuesday, earning his fourth save. It's been a tough run for Hernandez, who's allowed six runs in his last 2.2 innings while blowing two saves in that span. His ERA is up to 4.87 with a 1.21 WHIP and 75:26 K:BB this season. While Hernandez should still see high-leverage work in Kansas City, it's hard to trust him for fantasy purposes.

Hernandez (1-10) allowed three runs on two hits and two walks over one-third of an inning, taking the loss and a blown save Friday versus the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Austin Cox started the eighth inning but sustained a left knee injury after facing two batters. Hernandez proceeded to allow an inherited runner to score before getting tagged for three runs himself. He has three blown saves and two saves over his last seven appearances, a span in which he's allowed six runs over six innings. He's at a 4.81 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 74:25 K:BB with three saves, 12 holds and five blown saves through 63.2 innings this season. Hernandez should continue to see high-leverage looks, but the quality of his performance of late puts him on the fantasy fringe.

Hernandez (1-9) allowed a run on a two hits over one-third of an inning, taking the loss and a blown save Tuesday versus the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Austin Cox left a man on base in the eighth inning and Hernandez surrendered a two-run home run to Ke'Bryan Hayes. Hernandez's uneven August -- 8.68 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, 2-for-4 in save chances -- has prevented him from claiming the closer role that opened up when Scott Barlow was traded to San Diego. Hernandez has a 4.33 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 73:22 K:BB through 62.1 innings overall while adding three saves, 12 holds and four blown saves this season.

Hernandez picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Oakland, striking out one over 1.2 scoreless innings.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was able to strand the bases loaded after coming on with one out in the eighth inning before closing out the A's in the ninth to earn his third save. The 26-year-old Hernandez has now converted his last two save chances after allowing three runs in his previous two appearances (1.1 innings). He now sports a 4.28 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 73:21 K:BB across 61 innings this season. Hernandez should see the majority of closing chances going forward in Kansas City, though the left-handed Austin Cox could see opportunities as well, depending on matchups.

Hernandez held on for his second save of the season Friday versus the Cubs. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

On to try to preserve a one-run victory, Hernandez allowed a a one-out single to Nico Hoerner but lucked out when Hoerner was thrown out attempting to stretch it to a double. He then issued a two-out walk but struck out Cody Bellinger swinging to end it. The Royals have two saves as a team since trading Scott Barlow, with Hernandez securing one and Austin Cox the other. Hernandez looks like the best bet to close moving forward, although manager Matt Quatraro might not settle on one guy.

Hernandez (1-8) allowed a run on one hit over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss and a blown save Thursday versus the Mariners. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor Hearn was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the eighth inning, but he put two of the three batters he faced on base. Hernandez relieved him and immediately gave up a three-run moonshot to Julio Rodriguez. Hernandez has allowed nine runs (eight earned) over 5.1 innings in August, and he has two holds and a blown save without converting a save chance this month. He has one save, 12 holds, a 4.47 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 70:20 K:BB through 58.1 innings this year. Should the Royals have any leads to protect down the stretch, it's likely the save chances will be distributed on a committee basis.

Hernandez (1-7) took the loss Monday versus the Red Sox, allowing four runs on two hits and two walks with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was brought in to keep the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, but instead loaded the bases. Pablo Reyes unloaded them with a walk-off grand slam. Hernandez gave up just two runs over 13.1 innings in July, but he's already surrendered six runs in 2.2 innings in August. He's now at a 4.20 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 66:19 K:BB through 55.2 innings this season. Hernandez is still likely to see most of the Royals' save chances, but on a team that doesn't win much, he can't be counted on for a steady stream of saves.

Hernandez (1-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two over one inning to earn the extra-inning win Tuesday over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez didn't pitch well in the 10th inning, giving up a two-run home run to Francisco Alvarez. The Royals were able to rally back and get a walk-off balk for the win. Hernandez is now in the driver's seat to be the Royals' closer after Scott Barlow was dealt to San Diego earlier Tuesday. Hernandez has a mediocre 3.67 ERA, but a 1.00 WHIP and 65:16 K:BB over 54 innings suggest he has the stuff to handle late-inning assignments. There won't be a lot of save chances while pitching for a last-place team, but he's worth a speculative add in fantasy on the strikeout upside alone.