Manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Hernandez's (illness) condition has improved dramatically since he tested positive for COVID-19 last week, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. Hernandez could be ready to return from the COVID-19 injured list at some point during the Red Sox's weekend series with Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Hernandez is one of seven known Red Sox players who has tested positive for the virus within the past week, but he looks as though he could the first of the infected players to make his way back from the IL. Based on Cora's comments, Hernandez doesn't sound like he'll need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated, though the training staff may want to evaluate him in on-field workout beforehand. Once activated, Hernandez should immediately take over as Boston's everyday second baseman.