Rays/MLB

El Duque likely to be shut down

By TIMES WIRES
Published October 5, 2006

NEW YORK - Mets right-hander Orlando Hernandez is expected to miss the entire postseason because of a calf injury.

Hernandez has a torn muscle in his right calf and was left off New York's first-round roster, leaving the NL East champion without two of its top starters. That means erratic left-hander Oliver Perez, who went 3-13 with a 6.55 ERA this season, is slated to start Game 3 or 4 in Los Angeles.

"All year long we've had guys who picked each other up," general manager Omar Minaya said Wednesday. "I'm confident somebody will pick up El Duque."

With the Mets already missing Pedro Martinez, Hernandez had been scheduled to start the postseason opener. But Hernandez got hurt Tuesday while jogging in the outfield, leaving the Mets scrambling to rearrange their rotation.

Hernandez, who was diagnosed with a Grade 2 tear, showed up Wednesday wearing the same orthopedic boot Martinez made part of his wardrobe after straining his calf in mid August. Martinez missed a month with his condition.

After the game, Hernandez still had difficulty concealing his emotions.

When asked to describe his disappointment, he responded, "I don't have an answer for that." As for the possibility of a return during these playoffs, Hernandez said, "I don't know."

"He was obviously very, very distraught. Very upset," manager Willie Randolph said. "This is his time of year.

"He's one of the hardest workers on the team, regardless of how old you might think he is. No one lifts as many weights and runs as hard as he does. For him to be out there getting loose, getting ready for the game, to pull a muscle like that is really bizarre. But hey, he feels terrible today. I saw him earlier. He felt like he let us down."

ANOTHER SWITCH: With all the attention paid to Hernandez, a Dodgers roster change was overlooked. Los Angeles added right-hander Chad Billingsley to replace left-hander Joe Beimel, a former Devil Ray.

"Joe cut a finger on his left hand on a piece of glass," manager Grady Little said. "It's unfortunate. He was a big contributor to our club all season. We'll miss him."

Beimel was 2-1 in 62 games with a 2.96 ERA.

[Last modified October 5, 2006, 02:20:05]