SAN FRANCISCO - Pete Mackanin wants to get looks at Cesar Hernandez in the leadoff spot, especially against lefthanded starters. Given that the Phillies have faced three of those in their last four games, Hernandez has seen his name atop the lineup card more often this week.
"He's hitting well. He can run," said Mackanin, the Phillies interim manager. "With the pitcher hitting before the leadoff hitter [after the first inning], if you pinch-hit a lefthander and then you've got a lefthander right behind him it's too easy for the other manager to bring in a lefty for two hitters.