Orlando

Hernandez

El Duque was pulled fom his rehab start in Tampa last Thursday as a “precaution” but it seems that the discomfort he felt in his right shoulder is a little more of a concern than first thought. In the best case scenario, Hernandez will be back with the Yankees at the begining of July.

The Yankees will see how ‘El Duque’ is feeling, and then determine if he will next pitch on Tuesday or Wednesday. The benefit of starting him Tuesday, is that he would pitch again on Sunday against Boston. Although the Yanks want to be cautious with Hernandez, given their other options, we expect him to pitch on Tuesday.

That fact might save the Yankee rotation next week. They are currently without someone to pitch Tuesday, with candidates being Tanyon Sturtze, Esteban Loaiza, and Brad Halsey. Whoever goes would also be in line to face the Red Sox at the end of the week, but it looks like Hernandez will be able to go Tuesday and Sunday, so the team could try to get away with one of the above on Wednesday.

Hernandez’s inclusion means that Jason Giambi will sit out another series.

“If I had to base it on what I saw (Wednesday in the bullpen), I would call it unlikely (that El Duque will start Saturday),” Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre said. “I thought he was improved, but it’s a day-to-day situation with him.”

Hernandez said his right shoulder feels better than at any time since he first complained of a tired feeling in late September.

Hernandez will throw in the bullpen today. The Yankees have to be less optimistic about his status for Friday’s Game 3.

El Duque will throw again today in Puerto Rico, marking the first time he has thrown on back-to-back days during his rehab for shoulder tendinitis. The Expos haven’t targeted a return date, and manager Frank Robinson says, ''We’re not going to push it.’'

Manager Frank Robinson said Hernandez would join the rotation upon returning from two rehab starts, but then hesitated, adding that if his current rotation remains healthy and effective, ''We’re not going to break up a good thing if they’re all pitching well.’' If that’s the case, Hernandez would work long relief until needed. This is good news for Zach Day if he can keep pitching well.

The Yankees are looking at a lot of free agents and trying to re-sign Jon Lieber, leaving El Duque, who a month ago seemed almost certain to return, contemplating his future. “I would like to be come back to the Yankees,” Hernandez said, “but I would like to also be respected more for my work and for them to begin appreciating what I do.” The Red Sox tried to sign Hernandez last year and might do so again. The Phillies, Mets, Mariners, Marlins and Orioles are among the other teams that could have interest.