David Hernandez still believes he can be ready for Phillies opener

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CLEARWATER, Fla. — Less than three weeks before opening day, it is still unclear whether David Hernandez will be ready to start the season on time.

Hernandez, who came into camp as the presumed Phillies closer, was able to pitch in a game for the first time since March 1 on Tuesday, but the results were not good and he admitted that he’s still feeling some occasional, post-throwing tightness in his right triceps.

Hernandez believes the tightness is just a byproduct of the Tommy John surgery he had in April 2014 and he’s confident he’ll be ready to go on opening day.

“There should be more than enough time (to get ready),” he said. “It’s just about fine-tuning pitches, hopefully. We’ll see how I bounce back tomorrow.”

Hernandez pitched one inning in a minor-league game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. He gave up three hits, a walk and three runs. He struck out two while needing 28 pitches to complete the inning.

Hernandez was unfazed by the poor results.

“It’s the best I’ve felt since I’ve been here, so I’ll take it,” he said. “When I threw my first game I felt it while I was throwing, so now I don’t feel it while I’m throwing. It’s a good sign.”

Hernandez believes he tweaked his triceps in early-camp workouts.

“I actually kind of felt it after we started throwing our live BPs,” he said. “I was trying to ramp it up. You get that little extra adrenaline and I kind of felt it there. I tried to push through it without saying anything and I was like, 'I've got to put out the fire before it gets worse.'"

Hernandez missed the 2014 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made it back and pitched in 40 games for Arizona last season and signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Phillies in December. He can make an extra $1 million in bonuses based on games finished.

Though Hernandez pitched in 40 games post-surgery last season, he said, “You’re never really going to feel all the way right once they cut into you.”

It's not clear who the Phillies would use as closer if Hernandez is not ready. Non-roster relievers Andrew Bailey, Edward Mujica and Ernesto Frieri all have closer experience, though none is guaranteed to make the roster. Hard-throwing right-hander Dalier Hinojosa could have a chance to fill the role.

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