David Hernandez doesn't know if he's pitching for the fifth slot in the starting rotation, but he made a case for himself with his five shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox today at Ed Smith Stadium. He gave up four hits, struck out four and walked two in a strong performance that featured a great escape in the fourth.
He loaded the bases with no one out and then struck out the side.
"It wasn't fun when I loaded the bases in the fourth,'' he said. "I just wanted to get out of the inning with one or two runs. but I struck out the first guy, and as luck would have it, struck out the next guy and then I just didn't want to give up a two-out hit."
As far as his status with respect to the Opening Day roster, he is leaving that to the manager and the front office.
"I'm just trying to go out and do the best I can every performance,'' he said. "Whether it is good enough or not, I want to give my best effort no matter what the situation is. They haven't said anything to me as far as the starting rotation or where I'll start or what role I'll have. I just want to go out there and make it a tough decision."
Column note: This entry is just a preview of my Sunday column, in which I will try to provide some insight on the fifth starter situation.