Roberto Hernandez injury: Indians starter will throw simulated game Wednesday

Roberto Hernandez, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, will throw a simulated game on Wednesday, as the Cleveland Indians try to get him one last start before the 2012 season comes to a close.

Hernandez hasn't pitched since Aug. 27, when he lost his third game in as many starts. Hernandez suffered an ankle injury that forced him from the game after just two and a third innings. To date, Carmona has an 0-3 record, 7.53 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 14 and 1/3 innings of work.

Even if Hernandez comes away healthy and feeling good from the simulated game, there's no guarantee he'll start for the Indians this year.

From MLB.com:

"If we don't feel that it's good enough for us to let him pitch," Acta said, "he'll just have another simulated game or something and call it a season."

The Indians want to get Hernandez as much work as they can before the end of the year. The Indians hold a club option for 2013, and if they don't believe Hernandez will be an asset next year, they'll likely decline the option, making Hernandez a free agent.