Hernandez allowed two hits and struck out four over two scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has kept runs off the board in five of his seven appearances in May, including this turn as an opener. The right-hander hasn't had much success at the major-league level, but he's been more effective as a reliever this season. He has a 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB through 22 innings while adding an 0-1 record, three holds and a blown save in 19 appearances.

Hernandez will start Wednesday's game versus the Padres, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The specifics of the Royals' pitching plan were not revealed, but Hernandez last pitched Saturday, so he's unlikely to be available for more than three innings. He's been a full-time reliever this season after coming up through the minors as a starter. Hernandez owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 24:8 K:BB over 20 innings across 18 relief outings in 2023. With Daniel Lynch (shoulder) a possibility to return next week, Hernandez is unlikely to get more than one turn as a starter.

Hernandez (0-1) allowed a run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning, taking the walkoff loss Saturday versus the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez got into trouble after Owen Miller's one-out double in the ninth inning put runners on second and third. Joey Wiemer then delivered a sacrifice fly for the walkoff win. Considering Hernandez had allowed just one run over his previous 10 innings, it's understandable that he'd get a look late in a tie game. He's had a couple of messy outings, but he's at a reasonable 4.74 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB over 19 innings this season. He's added three holds and a blown save in 17 appearances.

Hernandez has covered five innings without allowing an earned run over three Cactus League appearances.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has also posted a 6:1 K:BB with just three hits allowed. His workload hasn't been that heavy in the spring, but he's performed well in the limited sample. The 26-year-old right-hander looks set to fill a bullpen role as a multi-inning option this season. He struggled to a 7.39 ERA and 1.84 WHIP over 56 innings last season, but if he carry over his improved control from the spring to the regular season, he should at least enjoy a little more job security.

Hernandez is expected to be a reliever again in 2023, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has experience as a starter -- 21 of his 56 big-league appearances have been in that role. He struggled throughout 2022 with a 7.39 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 35:31 K:BB across 56 innings. His ability to cover multiple frames will likely make him a low-leverage option in the Royals' bullpen.

Hernandez (0-5) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk in over inning, taking the loss Monday versus the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was tasked with the top of the 10th inning and faltered allowing a two-run double to Oscar Gonzalez. The Royals got one back in their half of the frame, but ultimately fell short, giving Hernandez his second straight loss. He's allowed four runs (three earned) over his last 2.1 innings. The struggling right-hander continues to put up lackluster number, as he now owns an 8.20 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 26:25 K:BB through 45 innings across 16 appearances (seven starts).

Hernandez (0-4) allowed a run on a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Friday versus the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez allowed two of the three batters he faced to reach base, and Jose Cuas couldn't prevent the Tigers from scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Since he was recalled Aug. 13, Hernandez has given up six runs in 10.1 innings across seven appearances. He's struggled as both a starter and a reliever this year with an 8.18 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 26:24 K:BB across 44 innings through 15 appearances (seven starts). The 25-year-old should be expected to finish 2022 in a low-leverage role.

Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was demoted in May after struggling to a 9.10 ERA in seven starts to open the season. He's returned to the majors twice since then, though both stints have been brief, resulting in just a single long-relief appearance. He'll likely fill a similar low-leverage role this time around.

Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez was recalled by the Royals on Sunday, but he will head back to Omaha one day later to open up a roster spot for fellow pitcher Daniel Lynch.

The Royals recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez should be available as a long-relief option for Kansas City over the next few days, but if he isn't needed out of the bullpen, he could be a candidate to fill the opening in the rotation that was vacated by Jonathan Heasley, who was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. The Royals will next require a fifth starter Thursday versus the Red Sox, and Hernandez would be a logical choice to pick up the spot start if rehabbing lefty Daniel Lynch (hand) isn't deemed ready to return from the 15-day injured list by that day.