AL East Notes: Marco Hernandez considering procedure, Rays prospects

Boston infielder Marco Hernandez is likely to undergo season-ending surgery as a result of a shoulder injury, according to Tim Britton of The Providence Journal. Hernandez is expected to have an MRI, but Britton notes his shoulder has been an issue in the past.

Hernandez is on the disabled list but was having a solid season before getting hurt. He is capable of playing three of four infield spots and was hitting .276/.300/.328 with two RBIs over 21 games.

Josh Rutledge is in a position to play in a similar capacity with Hernandez sidelined.

Here is the latest from around the American League East:

• Some are saying the Yankees should seek pitching help at the non-waiver trade deadline, but those comments might be a bit premature.

• Seth Smith has emerged as a consistent on-base threat for the Orioles, which has contributed to the team’s early success.

• Baseball America’s latest top 100 prospect list includes six Rays prospects, revealing the strength of the club’s minor league system.

• More than half of the players on Toronto’s payroll are on the disabled list.

• Mookie Betts is incredible, but we pretty much already knew that.