The New York Mets made strides to improve their starting rotation by acquiring veteran Orlando Hernandez for reliever Jorge Julio on Wednesday.
Hernandez has struggled so far this season for the Diamondbacks, going 2-4 with a 6.11 ERA. With his playoff experience, however, Hernandez should provide New York with the push they need for the second half of the season.
Hernandez was a starting pitcher for the Yankees during their World Championship run from 1998-2000 and is accustomed to playing in the media spotlight that is New York. More recently, El Duque was a main cog in the Chicago White Sox championship run last season.
He will join a rotation that already features Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel.
Julio was 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA in his first season with the Mets. He struck out 33 in 21 1-3 innings, and had pitched better of late after a rough beginning.
