El Duque exits rehab start early

[Lil Bit Special]

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3145190&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym

CINCINNATI -- The Mets have never counted on a return by Orlando Hernandez, and with good reason. Now -- again -- his physical condition is as much an uncertainty as his age. El Duque was removed from the rehab start he was making for the Mets' Double-A Binghamton affiliate on Thursday night after pitching one inning.

Hernandez experienced pain in his problematic right foot after covering first base in the first play of the game.

Hernandez had pitched 14 2/3 innings in three rehab starts and was getting to the point where the team had discussed -- quite superficially -- the chance of him returning.

However, manager Jerry Manuel and pitching coach Dan Warthen have indicated that they are not inclined to use him to replace Pedro Martinez in the short term if Martinez's most recent malady prevents him from taking a turn in the rotation next week.

Manuel and Warthen are more inclined to use four starters and take advantage of the off-days -- three of them -- between now and Aug. 5.

Before he became aware of Hernandez's premature departure, Manuel reiterated that El Duque would be hard-pressed to displace of the regular starters.

"I wouldn't take any of those guys out," Manuel said. "It's gonna be tough for El Duque."

[faba]

This is why you do not depend on 40 year old pitchers