Hernandez allowed two runs on three hits and walk in one-third of an inning in Thursday's 6-0 loss to the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez began the sixth inning, but allowed four of the five batters he faced to get on base. He was done after a two-run single allowed to Adam Eaton, and Josh Staumont went on to pitch 1.2 scoreless innings. Hernandez worked in long relief in his previous outing, earning a win on Opening Day versus the Rangers. The 24-year-old's role hasn't been clearly defined yet, but it appears he's been passed over for a spot in the rotation by Jakob Junis. Without much of a chance of joining the closer conversation, Hernandez will carry minimal fantasy value.

Hernandez (1-0) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over three innings in Thursday's win over the Rangers. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Brad Keller lasted just 1.1 innings Thursday, forcing the Royals to dip into their bullpen early in the slug-fest. Hernandez allowed both runs in the third inning. Jesse Hahn took over to start the sixth. The 24-year-old Hernandez is expected to be the Royals' fifth starter this year, although he'll begin the year in the bullpen. The Royals' schedule is light enough in April that a fifth starter in the rotation won't be needed until April 14. Hernandez had a 4.91 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 14.2 innings in 2020. He made five appearances (three starts).

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.