Duque, Valentin Headed to DL

Posted Monday, April 30, 2007

The Mets' fragile, older roster took two hits Monday when pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and second baseman Jose Valentin both were headed to the disabled list with injuries.

Hernandez, slated originally to pitch Monday night in Florida, instead is expected to be out at least two weeks with bursitis in his shoulder. Veteran Chan Ho Park was recalled from New Orleans to make the start. Park, 3-1 with a 7.29 ERA in four starts, was originally scheduled to pitch for the Zephyrs Monday night against Round Rock — so he was the logical choice despite having been outpitched by Jorge Sosa, among others.

The Mets' haven't confirmed the second roster move, but the New York Daily News is reporting that Valentin will be out as much as a month with a knee injury and will be replaced on the roster by Ruben Gotay. Damion Easley is expected to get most of the starts at second base in Valentin's absence.