Looks like Orlando Hernandez might pitch for the Mets this season after all. At least the B-Mets.
El Duque is scheduled to start for Double-A Binghamton against Connecticut on Thursday. In his previous rehab stint, last Friday for Class A St. Lucie, Hernandez allowed three hits and struck out five over 5 2/3 innings.
The plan is for Hernandez to help out in the bullpen. But after Pedro Martinez complained of both groin and shoulder issues last Saturday, there could be an opening in the rotation before too long. Martinez is pencilled in to start Sunday in Cincinnati, but the Mets have raised the possibility that he could be skipped and Mike Pelfrey could step in.