ST. LOUIS -- Second baseman Cesar Hernandez did not rule out the possibility that he could be placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left abdominal injury following the Phillies' 7-0 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday.
Hernandez tweaked his side throwing a ball in Friday night's 3-1 loss to the Cardinals. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Hernandez was available to play Saturday, although Hernandez only received treatment before the game. Hernandez will be examined again Sunday.
"Yeah, a little bit," Hernandez said, asked if the injury feels bad. "We'll see. I'll let you know tomorrow."
Abdominal injuries can be tricky. Howie Kendrick spent more than a month on the disabled list earlier this season with an abdominal injury.
It was just the third time this season that Hernandez did not start. He has been arguably the team's most productive player this season. Hernandez is hitting .277 with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 14 RBIs and a .735 OPS in 58 games. He is one of three potential All-Star candidates for the Phillies. Outfielder Aaron Altherr and right-hander Pat Neshek are the others.
Andres Blanco started at second base in place of Hernandez and went 1-for-3.
Benoit expected to return
Phillies right-hander Joaquin Benoit is expected to be activated before Sunday's series finale. He has been on the DL since June 1 with a strained left knee.