ST. LOUIS — The Phillies do not know how long they will be without Cesar Hernandez, but they commenced their backup plan with a morning infield session at Busch Stadium. Howie Kendrick, 33 and a veteran of 1,112 games at second base, fielded grounders and practiced flips with some Phillies coaches.
The rebuilding Phillies have chosen the path of least resistance. Kendrick, the team’s left fielder, will shift to his original position. It will create more playing time for Michael Saunders and Daniel Nava, two veterans who do not figure into the franchise’s long-term plans.
Hernandez will be examined by a doctor Monday morning in Philadelphia.