6 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (hip) returned to the lineup on Thursday to hit leadoff in a blowout loss to the Pirates. Hernandez, who has missed the better part of two weeks dealing with a strained hip flexor, finished 1-for-3 in just his second spring start. Following the offseason additions of Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper, Hernandez still looks likely to resume as the leadoff man in the Phillies lineup. Manager Gabe Kapler plans to remain flexible with the batting order this season, but don’t be surprised if Hernandez leads off on Opening Day against the Braves. The 28-year-old took 563 at-bats in the leadoff spot last year, hitting .252/.358/.364 with 15 home runs. Hernandez remains a steady late-round pick in all formats.--Ryan Cook
Source: Corey Seidman