CINCINNATI – The hopes of Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez playing a meaningful role on the Mets this season took another hit yesterday.
The right-handed pitcher was examined by foot specialist Dr. Jonathan Deland and the bunion on Hernandez’s right foot is “acting up again,” according to assistant general manager John Ricco.
Hernandez left a Double-A start for Binghamton on Thursday after pitching one inning against Connecticut. His foot, which he had offseason surgery on, bothered him while warming up and then gave him more pain after he made two defensive plays to start the game.
The first batter grounded to first and Hernandez covered first. When he stepped on the bag, the pain intensified. The next batter hit it back to the mound, forcing Hernandez to again make a play.
“After he covered first, he was limping a little bit,” Connecticut manager Bien Figueroa said by phone yesterday. “Then, the ground ball hit to him he had to dive and you could see in his face something was bothering him.”
Ricco said Hernandez will see another foot doctor Monday and see if he can get an orthotic for his shoe to ease the pain.
In other injury news, it appears outfielder Angel Pagan’s season is probably over. Pagan felt pain in his left shoulder Wednesday night playing for Single-A Brooklyn. He saw team doctor David Altchek, who diagnosed a tear in his labrum and recommended season-ending surgery.
Pagan will get a second opinion before having the surgery. Ricco said if Pagan has the surgery before September he should be ready to play by spring training.
As for Pedro Martinez, the right-hander will throw a bullpen session here today. He had a cortisone injection to his right hip on Thursday to relieve the pain in his groin. The Mets scratched him from tomorrow’s start, and are hoping he can pitch Tuesday against Philadelphia.
“We’re confident that this is something he’s had in the past and in the past he’s had a shot in the area and he’s been fine,” Ricco said.