Ramon Hernandez is “improved”, trainer Paul Lessard said.
“It doesn’t bother him in the full squat or when he’s standing,” Lessard said. “It’s the in between.”
Hernandez was out of the starting lineup for the fourth straight game with a sore left knee. The Reds were hopeful that he can start Friday’s game. If they think he can’t, it sounds like they may put on him on the disabled list.
“Maybe. We’ve got to possibly make a decision here soon,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “The All-Star Break is coming up. He hasn’t caught in a few days. If he’s not better, we can backdate it. It’s tough duty on a catcher.”
Hernandez would be eligible three days after the All-Star Break if he goes on the DL without playing again. Ryan Hanigan is rehabbing from a broken thumb in Triple-A. Hanigan is probably ready to go.
Baker said the Reds would decide after Thursday’s game on whether put Hernandez on the disabled list. -jfay
