Hernandez shelled in Indians ‘debut’
Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif.
With a new visa, a new name and a new lease on his major league career, Roberto Hernandez made his season debut for the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night and left his alter ego — Fausto Carmona — far behind.
But Hernandez was soon far behind on the scoreboard after giving up home runs to Mike Trout and Chris Iannetta and wound up losing 8-4 to the Los Angeles Angels.
The Indians added Hernandez to the 25-man roster on Tuesday after fellow right-hander Josh Tomlin was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of inflammation in his elbow.
Hernandez, beginning his seventh big league season, was arrested in January outside the U.S. consulate in the Dominican Republic while trying to renew his visa — which he finally was granted on July 21 after he was found to be three years older than his listed age. The right-hander, who turns 32 on Aug. 30, made four minor league starts while serving a three-week suspension from Major League Baseball for age and identity fraud.
“I didn’t think about that. I just thought about pitching,” Hernandez said. “I was very excited and very happy about getting a second chance to pitch in the big leagues, I tried not to do too much.”
Hernandez threw 91 pitches through six innings, allowing eight runs — five earned — and 10 hits with no walks or strikeouts.