The pitching-thin Mets acquired Orlando Hernandez from Arizona yesterday, welcoming El Duque back to New York and hoping he can help them now – and maybe later, when even more is at stake.
The Mets traded reliever Jorge Julio to the Diamondbacks for Hernandez.
“We're happy to have El Duque,” Mets General Manager Omar Minaya said. “We needed starting pitching. The thing I liked a lot is he has pitched in New York. He's happy to be coming back to New York, a place he knows and a place that knows him.”
Listed at 36 years old and a proven postseason pitcher, Hernandez was struggling in his first season in the National League. He was just 2-4 with a 6.11 ERA in nine starts for the West-leading Diamondbacks, and was not pitching with a set turn.
Arizona did not name a replacement for the right-handed Hernandez in the rotation, but righty Russ Ortiz, lefty Terry Mulholland and righty Kevin Jarvis are considered candidates.
Hamels goes on DL
Rookie pitcher Cole Hamels was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies with a strain in his left shoulder.
Hamels (0-0) had been scheduled to make his third major league start last night against the Mets but was scratched when he experienced posterior shoulder symptoms while throwing in the outfield Tuesday.
Around the majors
GIANTS: Optioned struggling right-handed reliever Scott Munter to Double-A Connecticut so he can work to regain his sinkerball pitch.
CUBS: Kerry Wood (shoulder) may not make his scheduled start Sunday at home against Atlanta.
YANKEES: Just when the team seemed to be getting healthier, it lost catcher Jorge Posada (hamstring) for at least one game and possibly Jaret Wright (groin) for one start.
