Phillies Notes: Hernandez getting a look as leadoff hitter

SAN FRANCISCO - Pete Mackanin wants to get looks at Cesar Hernandez in the leadoff spot, especially against lefthanded starters. Given that the Phillies have faced three of those in their last four games, Hernandez has seen his name atop the lineup card more often this week.

"He's hitting well. He can run," said Mackanin, the Phillies' interim manager. "With the pitcher hitting before the leadoff hitter [after the first inning], if you pinch-hit a lefthander and then you've got a lefthander right behind him it's too easy for the other manager to bring in a lefty for two hitters.

". . . This way, it makes you think and maybe it will deter [the opposing manager] from bringing in a lefty or get him out afterward."

Hernandez entered Friday night's series opener against the Giants at AT&T Park hitting .288 with a .372 on-base percentage. The 25-year-old second baseman leads the Phillies in walks, coming into the weekend having drawn 24 over 220 plate appearances.

"It remains to be seen. If he finishes strong then I don't see why he can't be [a leadoff hitter in the future]," Mackanin said. "He does take pitches. He works the count, and he's a switch-hitter, which is nice."

Meanwhile, Chase Utley resumed baseball activities Friday for the first time since his ankle injury landed him on the 15-day disabled list on June 24. Utley took a light dose of ground balls at second base during batting practice and also spent time fielding throws at both first base and second base. There is no timetable for his return.

Aaron Nola made his fifth start for triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday, and the Phillies' top pitching prospect allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings against the Boston Red Sox' Pawtucket affiliate.

Nola could earn a promotion to the major leagues soon after next week's all-star break. The 22-year-old righthander will pitch in the Futures Game on Sunday as part of All-Star Game festivities in Cincinnati.