Phillies Notes: Galvis, Hernandez audition with Rollins out

There were two beneficiaries Tuesday in the immediate aftermath of Jimmy Rollins' "mild" left hamstring strain. Rookie Maikel Franco moved into Rollins' customary No. 2 lineup spot. Freddy Galvis, an .085 hitter in his first 24 games this season, assumed shortstop in Rollins' absence.

Franco, the Phillies' youngest position player since Rollins' 2000 debut, has a clearer future than Galvis despite 148 fewer major-league games. Galvis - along with Cesar Hernandez - remains stuck in the murkiness that is life as a young bench player. By next April, the Phillies must decide which Venezuelan infielder has a higher upside because both are out of options in 2015.

The next few weeks could help. Rollins, who estimated Monday that he would miss 10 days with his injury, was labeled "day-to-day" on Tuesday by Sandberg. The Phillies will monitor Rollins, who underwent an ultrasound examination. Leg injuries are the most prevalent in baseball, and they often require at least a week of rest.

"A little better than what we were thinking last night," Sandberg said.

Galvis replaced Rollins on Monday and started Tuesday. He belted a solo homer, doubled, and scored three runs in his best offensive game this season. Seeing as Galvis and Hernandez are similar players, it is hard to imagine both on next season's team barring an infield shuffle.

Sandberg could not say if he envisioned room next season for both 24-year-old players. He deemed Galvis "more comfortable" at shortstop than Hernandez, who is a second baseman. Neither has hit with prolonged success in the majors.

"Cesar right now is a pretty good guy in a pinch-hit type of a situation, hitting the fastball," Sandberg said. "He's shown that ability. Freddy has shown some improvement this year with at-bats. I see both having the ability to hit."

Could they one day graduate to everyday status?

"I think they have the ability, yes, to be an everyday player," Sandberg said. "I do."

Luis Garcia's fastball has averaged 97 m.p.h. in two scoreless outings since he was called up from the minors, according to PITCHf/x data. That marks a significant increase from his previous average (94 m.p.h.) over his first 28 major-league appearances.

The 27-year-old righthander posted stellar numbers at triple A but floundered in brief trials with the Phillies. This time, Sandberg sees a different pitcher who could occupy an increased role while other taxed arms rest.

Garcia topped at 99 m.p.h. on Monday when he struck out two Pirates.

"He was throwing the velocity he had at Lehigh Valley," Sandberg said. "He's had back-to-back good outings. It's a chance to see other arms. He was impressive his last two."