After returning to the United States over the weekend -- and receiving three birthday cakes from his teammates -- Roberto Hernandez made his first minor league rehab start tonight for Class A Lake County.
Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer passes along word that Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, allowed three runs (one earned) over five innings. He struck out four and walked none while throwing 46 out of 66 pitches for strikes.
Hernandez was arrested in his native Dominican Republic in January for falsifying his identity. He reached a deal in March to have the charges dropped in exchange for completing a work program and re-worked his contract with the Indians in hopes of avoiding a punishment from MLB. However, he is currently serving a three-week suspension.
Hernandez is eligible to return from his suspension on August 11, so he is currently lined up for two more tune-up starts.