Hernandez (not injury related) is expected to begin as a reliever once he rejoins the Red Sox's roster but could slot into the rotation after that, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ideally, Hernandez would pitch in relief full time, but 2020 has been less-than-ideal for Boston, whose starting rotation is 29th in ERA (6.95), last in WHIP (1.78) and last in batting average against (.302). Hernandez came through the system as a starter and is being stretched out as a reliever with length. "I would think at the beginning as a reliever and maybe try to build him up a little bit better there also," manager Ron Roenicke said. "And then if he slips into that starting role, then we'll try to do that." Hernandez is scheduled to throw three innings in his next start at Boston's alternate training site in Pawtucket and is expected to be activated this week.

Hernandez (not injury related) could be activated following this weekend's series against the Yankees according to manager Ron Roenicke, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been getting stretched out at Boston's alternate training site after missing a chunk of summer camp due to a positive COVID-19 test. The left-hander has been mentioned as a possible rotation option once he joins the big-league club, so it's possible he could start a game for the Red Sox as early as next week.

Hernandez (not injury related) is slightly behind in his recovery process, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has been getting stretched out at the team's alternate training site after missing part of summer camp due to a positive test for COVID-19. However, manager Ron Roenicke said Tuesday that the southpaw is slightly behind schedule. It's unclear when he'll be able to return to the team, but he could serve as a starter for the Red Sox this year once he's back in action.

Hernandez (illness) could start games for the Red Sox at some point this season, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox want Hernandez stretched out to be able to handle two or three innings when he comes off the COVID-19 injured list, but manager Ron Roenicke said the team thinks he could be a starter long term and said it's possible he will enter the rotation by season's end. Hernandez has electric stuff from the left side but his minor-league control issues followed him to the majors last year (17.7 percent walk rate), so improving as a strike thrower will be paramount for him to have success as a starter. Given how short-handed Boston's rotation is, moving Hernandez out of the bullpen is worth a shot in the short term, but he does not project to be efficient enough with his pitches to log five innings with any kind of regularity.

Hernandez (illness) will throw a simulated game Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez missed nearly the entirety of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19. His season debut is reportedly not imminent.

Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said Monday that Hernandez (COVID-19) isn't close to returning from the injured list, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez has cleared all COVID-19-related protocols and rejoined the Red Sox for workouts last week, but the young lefty still needs additional time to ramp up after missing most of summer camp. He threw a bullpen session at the Red Sox's alternate training site in Pawtucket over the weekend, so the next hurdle he'll need to clear will be facing hitters in live batting practice or a simulated game. Based on Roenicke's comments, don't expect Hernandez to be activated from the IL until next week at the soonest.

Hernandez (illness) was cleared to rejoin the team Tuesday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez arrived in Boston on Friday, but he was officially cleared to join the team for workouts Tuesday after clearing COVID-19 protocol. He'll remain on the COVID-19 injured list, but it's encouraging to see him working with the team ahead of the regular season. The southpaw reportedly resumed a throwing program in his absence, but it's unclear when he'll be ready to take the field during game action.

Hernandez (illness) arrived in Boston on Friday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old previously remained in his native Venezuela after testing positive for COVID-19, but it appears he's nearing his return to the team. Hernandez apparently resumed a throwing program while away from the team, but it's unclear when he's expected to reach game readiness. His availability for Opening Day next week remains in question.

The Red Sox placed Hernandez (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez's move to the IL comes a week and a half after he was revealed to have tested positive for the coronavirus. The lefty remains in his native Venezuela and has reportedly resumed a throwing program, but he'll still need to submit two negative test results before being able to join the Red Sox for summer camp. Hernandez doesn't look like he'll be ready to go for Boston's season opener July 24 versus the Orioles.

Hernandez (illness) is playing catch at home in Venezuela but still needs to be cleared to travel, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez tested positive for COVID-19 before reporting to summer camp and needs to pass several protocols before traveling to Boston. With just 10 days before the start of the season, it's unlikely Hernandez will be ready for Opening Day. The left-hander is expected to be a key bullpen member once he's ready to contribute.