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Hernandez scratched due to sore back Posted: Monday May 20, 2002 6:13 PMUpdated: Monday May 20, 2002 7:50 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Yankees pitcher Orlando Hernandez missed his scheduled start against Toronto on Monday night because of pain in his upper back, and was replaced by Sterling Hitchcock. Last Wednesday, El Duque lost for the first time in six starts since April 12, allowing eight runs and six hits in 1 2-3 innings during a 10-7 defeat to Tampa Bay. After leaving the game, Hernandez (4-2) complained about tightness in his back. "I thought yesterday I could pitch today, but it didn't happen," Hernandez said. It was the second time this year Hernandez missed a start, and both have been against the Blue Jays. On April 11 at Toronto, Hernandez failed to pitch because of a sore neck and was replaced by Roger Clemens, who went on three days' rest and lost 11-3. Hernandez said the pain feels like gas and that he was taking massages and other treatment. The team scheduled him for an MRI exam Tuesday. For now, Yankees manager Joe Torre expects Hernandez to take his next turn in the rotation on Saturday at Boston. "Last time he went out there when he wasn't quite right and he couldn't go through two innings," Torre said. "I told him last time you're not doing yourself any good, first of all, and you're not doing us any good." The Yankees have seven quality starting pitchers, with Clemens, Hernandez, Mike Mussina, David Wells and Ted Lilly currently in the rotation, and Andy Pettitte on the disabled list. Hitchcock started the season on the disabled list because of a strained lower back and was activated May 8. He made his first appearance in relief of Hernandez last Wednesday. He also pitched two innings in Friday's 13-12, 14-inning win over Minnesota, giving up three RBI singles in the 14th, but got the win when Jason Giambi hit a grand slam in the bottom half of the inning. Hitchcock made 40 pitches.
Notes: OF Rondell White originally was in Monday's starting lineup but was scratched because of soreness in his left calf. Shane Spencer started in left field, and John Vander Wal in right. White was available for pinch hitting.
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