The Phillies losses are piling on top of each other, but there have been a few bright spots this season, including the impressive play of second baseman, Cesar Hernandez. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. spoke to the media in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening and mentioned that Hernandez is the best option at second, even after veteran Chase Utley returns from the disabled list.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. was asked if Utley will be the Phillies regular second baseman again upon his return on Tuesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.
"Not for me he's not," Amaro said. "Cesar Hernandez is our best second baseman." [Philly.com Sports]
Hernandez, 25, has been a consistent part of the Phillies order lately, tallying multi-hit games in four of the last six. In June, he hit .324 and thus far in July, he's hitting .444 with a 1.019 OPS. In addition to those numbers, he's been active on the basepaths, swiping 12 bags as well. Overall this season, he is hitting .302 with a home run, 10 doubles, a triple, 19 RBI's and 31 runs scored.
Since June 21st, Hernandez leads the league in hits with 26 and is hitting .441 over that time. He’s scored 13 runs and also has eight steals in that span. Hernandez leads the Phillies with 23 walks as well.
"As far as I'm concerned, what our plan has been for a long time has been to give opportunities to young men who could be part of our future. And Cesar Hernandez has been one of our best players on the field right now, in a lot of ways." [Philly.com Sports]
Meanwhile, Chase Utley has not played since June 22nd, sidelined on the DL with an ankle injury. Prior to his injury, he was hitting a dismal .179 with four home runs and 25 RBI's. He hit .138 (8-for-58) in the month of June.
