Hernandez secured his first-career save Sunday in a 2-1 win over the Twins. He did not allow a hit, but did walk a batter and struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was called upon to close out the game in the ninth with Scott Barlow presumably unavailable after throwing 41 pitches over the last two days. Hernandez has now recorded three holds and a save while tossing four shutout innings in his last four appearances. He's a prime candidate to take over the Royals' closing duties if Barlow were to get dealt to a contending team before the deadline. Hernandez is putting up career-best numbers thus far, posting a 3.57 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 63:15 K:BB in 53 innings.

Hernandez (0-6) allowed a run on one hit and struck out one over one inning to take the loss Saturday versus the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has allowed two runs over 9.1 innings in July, but both instances led to him taking losses. His mistake Saturday resulted in a solo home run by DJ LeMahieu in the seventh inning. Hernandez has a middling 3.86 ERA for the season, but his 1.02 WHIP and 57:13 K:BB through 49 innings suggests he's gotten a little unlucky. He's added seven holds and two blown saves while often seeing high-leverage spots.

Hernandez (0-5) took the loss in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the Rays, allowing a run on two hits while striking out one in one inning.

EDGE Analysis

The Rays took the lead on a Luke Raley RBI single in the eighth inning, sticking Hernandez with his first decision since June 12. After some troubles in early June, the right-hander has settled down, allowing three runs (two earned) over his last 13.1 innings. He's at a 3.94 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 52:12 K:BB with five holds through 45.2 innings this season. Hernandez could be an option to take over the closer role if the Royals trade Scott Barlow before the deadline, though save chances on a last-place team are likely to remain sparse.

Hernandez (0-4) allowed an unearned run in one inning to take the 10-inning loss Monday versus the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds were able to play small ball to scrape home a run against Hernandez, and the Royals couldn't match it in the bottom of the 10th. He's seem time both as a traditional reliever and an opening pitcher lately, but the results haven't been all that good -- he has a 5.40 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 13.1 innings across his last 10 appearances, which includes four turns as an opener. For the season, he's posted a 4.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 42:9 K:BB across 33.1 innings. Hernandez's opening appearances have typically come in front of Mike Mayers, who is lined up to pitch again over the weekend versus the Angels.

Hernandez will serve as the opening pitcher against the Orioles on Sunday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez will get the start, and Mike Mayers is expected to receive the bulk innings, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Hernandez will likely only go a couple of innings at most, so he won't have the counting stats -- nor the chance to pick up a decision -- against Baltimore on Sunday.

Hernandez (thumb) will start Monday's game against the Marlins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez exited Friday's game after a callus on his thumb opened up, but he'll return to the mound Monday in Miami to serve as Kansas City's opener. The 26-year-old has a 4.76 ERA across 28.1 innings this season and should cover a frame or two before giving way to bulk pitcher Mike Mayers.

Hernandez left Friday's game versus the Rockies when a callus on his thumb opened up, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez took the loss after allowing four runs in one-third of an inning. He may be down for a day or two, but it's unclear if he'll need a stint on the injured list.

Hernandez left his relief appearance against the Rockies with an apparent injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez allowed four runs while getting just one out before leaving the game. The right-hander should be considered day-to-day until further updates are provided by the Royals. Nick Wittgren has taken over on the mound in Hernandez's place.

Hernandez (0-2) allowed a run on two hits and struck out two over one inning, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez entered Tuesday on an eight-inning scoreless streak, but that ended when he gave up an RBI double to Nolan Arenado in the sixth inning. Overall, Hernandez has taken a step forward this season, working as an effective middle reliever and occasional opener. He has a 3.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 38:8 K:BB across 28 innings through 23 appearances. Hernandez also has three holds and a blown save, but he's unlikely to be much of a factor for high-leverage situations.

Hernandez will start Sunday's game versus the White Sox, Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez opened Wednesday's game versus the Padres and went two scoreless innings, striking out four and giving up two hits. He shouldn't be expected to work much deep than that Sunday, so it's unlikely he'll be able to qualify for a win in what will probably amount to a bullpen game.