The Associated Press reported Thursday that pitcher Roberto Hernandez Heredia, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, is seeking a judicial pardon and hopes to return to the Cleveland Indians this season.
Hernandez landed on Major League Baseball’s “restricted list” after being arrested in January in the Dominican Republic on false identity charges. The AP does not elaborate on the arrest, but does say that Hernadez Heredia’s age was at issue: Authorities assert that he is 31, which is three years older than Hernandez claimed.
The article quotes Hernandez saying:
I’m doing all that is necessary so that when the pardon is granted, I won’t have to wait long to play again.
Hernandez Heredia’s agent is quoted saying he expects the pitcher to play this season.
In 2011 Hernandez Heredia started 32 games, going 7-15 and recording a 5.25 ERA. He was expected to be a starter for Cleveland this season, with the Indians exercising his $7 million last October.
Hernandez Heredia signed a four-year deal in 2008. The team has options on him for 2013 ($9 million) and 2014 ($12 million).
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