El Duque was 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in eight relief appearances for AAA Oklahoma.

El Duque is 18-12 in 47 games with the Mets dating back to 2006.

Last I heard, Hernandez is still working out in Port St. Lucie, while doing a bit of light throwing.  However, he is not at all close to being able to contribute at the major-league level.

That said, it’s El Duque, so, frankly, who knows.

…ugh…i wonder if both el duque and Moises Alou come from the the same family tree…it would certainly explain their penchant for getting injured…

Hernandez, who is rehabbing multiple lower leg ailments, pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two on five hits while striking out five in his last rehab start on July 10 for Single-A St. Lucie.

According to David Lennon, at his blog for Newsday, the Mets plan to use Hernandez out of the bullpen when he returns, but may slide into the rotation if Pedro Martinez’s groin and shoulder issues continue to plague him.

Martinez is scheduled to pitch on Sunday in Cinncinnati versus the Reds, but may pushed back in favor of Mike Pelfrey.

…an injury to a starter is the only legitmate reason for el duque to be given a spot in the rotation…

Jerry Manuel, speaking to reporters prior to yesterday’s game, regarding Hernandez’s role once healthy, said:

“I have thought about that, but if it were to happen now, it would be difficult to take any one out of the rotation…If he does, it would have to be a bullpen situation…That’s going to be a tough thing to deal with.”

…manuel is right…i just don’t see how el duque fits in the rotation unless a trade is made, involving a member of the current rotation, to improve the team or an injury occurs…i would assume once healthy, el duque would take Tony Armas‘ spot in the bullpen, but that is purely speculation on my part…

According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, the Mets are preparing El Duque to be a starter.

…el duque doesn’t deserve to be added to the starting rotation, not with Mike Pelfrey gaining confidence and Oliver Perez pitching well…

According to Shpigel, Hernandez threw batting practice on Tuesday in Port St. Lucie and the team is still deciding where he will make his rehab starts and whether to use him in relief or in the rotation once he returns to the major league roster.

Hernandez has been rehabbing a strained tendon in his foot.

Shpigel also reports on Sandy Alomar’s work with the team’s infielders to improve their defense and Jerry Manuel’s management of Pedro Martinez.

…again, i’ll believe it when i see it…and even then, forgive me if i remain skeptical…

Meanwhile, in St. Lucie, Orlando Hernandez is throwing from a mound, but there is still no timetable for his return.

…next time it’s being offered, please sign me up for getting paid a million dollars to throw a baseball beneath a palm tree…jeez…get well, el duque…

Lastly, Angel Pagan, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, is able to throw a baseball and is making progress on batting from the right-side of the plate.

…the Mets could use pagan…if you haven’t noticed, Endy Chavez is hitless in his last 16 at bats…he is batting .189 in 44 games played this season, and hitting .182 as a pinch hitter…

Prior to his injury, Pagan, who played all three outfield positions, was hitting .275 with a .346 OBP in 31 games.

When asked about a possible return to the Mets, El Duque replied:

“I try to come back in two weeks, three weeks, when I feel good, I’ll be back.”

…el who-que…i wish him the best, but i’ll believe it when i see it…