Hernandez to be skipped, available out of 'pen

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies right-hander Roberto Hernandez has been skipped in the rotation this week after he pitched Tuesday out of the bullpen.

The Phillies are off on Thursday and won't need a fifth starter until May 6 against the Blue Jays. Hernandez is 1-1 with a 5.81 ERA in five starts this season.

"There's a chance that Roberto will be skipped of his start with the day off," manager Ryne Sandberg said before Tuesday's game against the Mets.

Hernandez is a logical choice to join the 'pen in the short term because the Phillies could use another right-handed option, and the veteran has made 39 relief appearances in his career.

"He's no mystery to throwing down in the bullpen, he knows the routine," Sandberg said. "For an inning or two, that could be good the next few days."