Hernandez and Pelfrey square off in simulated game for Mets
Author: Amanda Category: Players
Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey, the two contenders for the final spot in the New York Mets’ rotation, pitched against each other in a simulated game Tuesday.
Don’t expect their performances to sway manager Willie Randolph one way or the other.
“Like I’ve said all spring, I don’t take a lot out of simulated games,” Randolph said. “For Duque, it’s just a matter of getting him through healthy.”
Hernandez said he felt good about his outing, the latest step in a slow process of changing his delivery to compensate for a bunion on his right foot.
“I’m very happy today,” El Duque said, adding that he threw all his pitches. “I feel very comfortable. Every time I feel better and better. I’m going up.”
Hernandez’s command improved as the game went on. He walked four and hit a batter with a pitch in his first two innings, then gave up two long homers in his final inning.
“The one inning, when they were hitting (Hernandez) around a little, we were throwing all fastballs trying to work on location,” catcher Brian Schneider said. “There are times out there when he’s working on things. Today was all about working on things.”
Any questions about Hernandez’s ability to get hitters out with his new delivery and apparent lack of velocity (his fastball was clocked between 78-81 mph Tuesday) could be answered soon enough. Randolph said Hernandez will make his spring training debut Sunday against St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Pelfrey breezed through his first four innings, giving up one run and three hits, all doubles—two to minor leaguer Rene Reyes and another to Schneider.
