View source for Roberto Hernández (starting pitcher)

{{Short description|Dominican baseball player (born 1980)}}
{{other people|Roberto Hernández}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{family name hatnote|Hernández|Heredia|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name        = Roberto Hernández
| image       = Roberto Hernández on April 16, 2013.jpg
| caption     = Hernández with the Tampa Bay Rays
| position    = [[Pitcher]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1980|8|30}}
| birth_place = [[Santo Domingo]], [[Dominican Republic]]
| bats        = Right
| throws      = Right
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate   = April 15
| debutyear   = 2006
| debutteam   = Cleveland Indians
|finalleague=MLB
|finaldate=August 11
|finalyear=2016
|finalteam=Atlanta Braves
| statleague  = MLB
| stat1label  = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
| stat1value  = 71–99
| stat2label  = [[Earned run average]]
| stat2value  = 4.60
| stat3label  = [[Strikeout]]s
| stat3value  = 833
| teams       = 
* [[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2012}})
* [[Tampa Bay Rays]] ({{mlby|2013}})
* [[Philadelphia Phillies]] ({{mlby|2014}})
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ({{mlby|2014}})
* [[Houston Astros]] ({{mlby|2015}})
* [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2016}})
|awards=
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]])
}}

'''Roberto Hernández Heredia'''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7480419/fausto-carmona-cleveland-indians-arrested-accused-using-false-identity | title=Indians' Carmona accused of using false ID | date=January 19, 2012 }}</ref> (born August 30, 1980)<ref name="espn-profile">{{Cite web |title=Roberto Hernandez Stats |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/6356/roberto-hernandez |access-date= |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> is a [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]] former professional [[baseball]] [[pitcher]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Cleveland Indians]], [[Tampa Bay Rays]], [[Philadelphia Phillies]], [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], [[Houston Astros]], and [[Atlanta Braves]].

Hernández was a regular part of the Indians' [[starting pitcher|starting rotation]] for six years under the name of '''Fausto Carmona''', which he had used to obtain a [[Visa (document)|visa]] to pitch in the United States. After Hernández’s true name and age were revealed (he was three years older than he claimed), Hernández missed much of the 2012 season due to lack of a valid visa, followed by a suspension from MLB for [[identity fraud]]. He returned to the league in 2013 with the [[Tampa Bay Rays]].

Coincidentally, while playing as Fausto Carmona for the [[Cleveland Indians]] in 2007, Hernández had a teammate whose name was also [[Roberto Hernández (relief pitcher)|Roberto Hernández]].

==Professional career==
===Minor leagues===
Hernández (as Carmona) was signed as an amateur free agent by the [[Cleveland Indians]] on December 28, 2000. In 2003, he compiled a record of 17–4 with a 2.06 ERA in 24 starts for the Single-A [[Lake County Captains]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Roberto Hernández Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=carmon001fau |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> This led to him being honored as the Most Outstanding Player of the [[South Atlantic League]], receiving All-Star honors both for the South Atlantic League and for all of Class-A, and he was named the Indians' 2003 Minor League Player of the Year (receiving the "[[Lou Boudreau]] Award").<ref>{{cite web |title=Minor League Player of the Year by Team |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/awards/Minor_League_Player_of_the_Year_by_Team.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102093225/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/awards/Minor_League_Player_of_the_Year_by_Team.shtml |archive-date=November 2, 2009 |access-date=July 25, 2011 |website=The Baseball Cube}}</ref>  He split 2004 between the Single-A [[Kinston Indians]] of the [[Carolina League]] and the Double-A [[Akron Aeros]] of the [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]]. Combined, he was 10–10 with a 4.09 ERA in 28 starts.<ref name=":0" />

The following year, 2005, Hernández split his time between the Aeros and the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Buffalo Bisons]] of the [[International League]]. He was 13–9 with a 3.68 ERA in 26 starts.<ref name=":0" />

===Cleveland Indians===

On April 15, 2006, Hernández made his MLB debut, starting against the [[Detroit Tigers]] at [[Comerica Park]]. He pitched six innings, giving up one [[earned run]] and [[Strikeout|striking out]] four. He earned the win, which was his only win of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2006 |title=Indians P Camona goes six in major league debut |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260415106 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502073117/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260415106 |archive-date=May 2, 2006 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

On July 20, 2006, the Indians traded [[closer (baseball)|closer]] [[Bob Wickman]] to the [[Atlanta Braves]], and the Indians chose Hernández to fill the role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=July 20, 2006 |title=Indians trade Wickman to Braves |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060720&content_id=1566546&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823024210/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060720&content_id=1566546&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=August 23, 2006 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> In the span of seven days (from July 30 through August 5), Hernández recorded four [[Loss (baseball)|losses]] and three blown saves for the Indians, including [[walk-off home run|walk-off]] home runs surrendered to [[Boston Red Sox|Boston's]] [[David Ortiz]] and Detroit's [[Iván Rodríguez]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roberto Hernández 2006 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=carmofa01&t=p&year=2006 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=July 31, 2006 |title=Blake goes deep twice in tough loss |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060731&content_id=1586641&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418212905/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060731&content_id=1586641&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=April 18, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Sam |date=August 6, 2006 |title=Indians suffer another late-inning defeat |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060805&content_id=1594969&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418231632/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060805&content_id=1594969&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=April 18, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Hernández lost the closer role to [[Tom Mastny]] soon thereafter.

After the closer experiment, Hernández was demoted to Triple-A Buffalo on August 26, where he was placed back in a starting role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2006 |title=Case closed: Indians send Carmona back to Triple-A |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2562292 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He was promoted to Cleveland again in September, and finished the season as a starter. Hernández ended the 2006 season with a record of 1–10 and a 5.42 ERA in 38 games (seven starts).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Roberto Hernández Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carmofa01.shtml |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Carmona Fausto.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Hernández pitching in his MLB debut]]

In {{mlby|2007}}, Hernández was originally slated to be the Indians' spot starter and to begin the season with the Triple-A [[Buffalo Bisons]]. However, after [[Cliff Lee]] went down with an abdominal strain in [[spring training]] that would force him to miss at least the first three weeks of the season, the Indians gave Hernández the opportunity to start in Lee's place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molony |first=Jim |date=March 20, 2007 |title=Indians tab Carmona as fifth starter |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070320&content_id=1851572&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323200822/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070320&content_id=1851572&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=March 23, 2007 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> In Hernández's first start of the season, on April 13, the [[Chicago White Sox]] battered him for six earned runs in {{frac|4|1|3}} innings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Briggs |first=David |date=April 14, 2007 |title=Sox homers spoil Tribe home opener |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070413&content_id=1896582&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418090915/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070413&content_id=1896582&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=April 18, 2008 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

Hernández quickly rebounded, however, holding the [[New York Yankees]]' potent offense to just two runs in six innings in his next start on April 19. He received a no decision, however, when [[Joe Borowski (baseball)|Joe Borowski]] allowed six runs in the ninth inning to give the Yankees the win.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=April 19, 2007 |title=Indians drop heartbreaker to Yanks |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070419&content_id=1918615&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070423000811/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070419&content_id=1918615&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=April 23, 2007 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Hernández settled into a groove and won his next five starts, allowing just six earned runs over 39 innings. During this streak, Hernández beat two-time [[American League]] [[Cy Young Award]] winner [[Johan Santana]] of the [[Minnesota Twins]] twice and pitched his first career [[complete game]] [[shutout]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Roberto Hernández 2007 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=carmofa01&t=p&year=2007 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> After one of these wins, Minnesota [[center fielder]] [[Torii Hunter]] was quoted as saying, "I can't wait until we face normal pitchers. This guy's sinker is practically unhittable."

On July 25, Hernández tossed eight shutout innings against the [[Boston Red Sox]] in a 1–0 Indians win.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bauman |first=Mike |date=July 25, 2007 |title=Carmona's gem no surprise |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070725&content_id=2109910&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808215929/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070725&content_id=2109910&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp |archive-date=August 8, 2007 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> The victory improved his record to 5–0 in July.<ref name=":2" /> Hernández went on to go 19–8 with a 3.06 ERA and 215 innings pitched in 32 starts for the 2007 season.<ref name=":1" />

True to his dominant 2007 regular season form, Hernández, in his first career postseason game in Game 2 of the [[2007 American League Division Series|2007 ALDS]] against the Yankees and [[Andy Pettitte]], allowed just one earned run on three hits over nine innings in an extra-inning win for Cleveland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=October 5, 2007 |title=Carmona dominant in playoff debut |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071005&content_id=2252188&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012021905/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071005&content_id=2252188&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On October 20, Hernández was battered by the Red Sox at [[Fenway Park]] in Game 6 of the 2007 [[American League Championship Series|ALCS]], surrendering seven runs in two plus innings, including a first-inning grand slam by [[J.D. Drew]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=October 21, 2007 |title=Jitters, command derail Carmona early |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071021&content_id=2274012&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022042325/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071021&content_id=2274012&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=October 22, 2007 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> The Indians would go on to lose the game and the series, despite having led the series three games to one.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Cleveland Indians Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2007.shtml |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

Hernández received serious consideration for the AL Cy Young award, along with teammate [[CC Sabathia]], Boston's [[Josh Beckett]], and the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim|Angels']] [[John Lackey]]. He ultimately finished fourth in 2007 AL Cy Young voting.<ref name=":1" />

[[File:Fausto Carmona windup.jpg|220px|thumb|Hernández pitching for the [[2008 Cleveland Indians season|Cleveland Indians in 2008]]]]
On April 10, {{mlby|2008}}, the Indians signed Hernández to a four-year $15 million contract extension through 2011 with three individual club options through 2014. If all options had been exercised, Hernández would have made $43 million, with another $5 million available in escalators.<ref>{{cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=April 10, 2008 |title=Tribe signs Carmona to long-term deal |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080410&content_id=2511589&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413111721/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080410&content_id=2511589&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=April 13, 2008 |access-date=March 12, 2009 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

Hernández started the 2008 season off strong, going 4–2 with a 3.10 ERA in his first eight starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roberto Hernández 2008 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=carmofa01&t=p&year=2008 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> On May 23, he left his start against the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] with a left hip strain after running to cover [[first base]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Justice B. |date=May 24, 2008 |title=Carmona leaves with left hip strain |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080523&content_id=2755318&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527123720/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080523&content_id=2755318&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=May 27, 2008 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Hernández was placed on the [[disabled list]] the next day,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=May 24, 2008 |title=Carmona's hip sends him to 15-day DL |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080524&content_id=2761944&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526140339/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080524&content_id=2761944&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> where he remained for two months before making his return to the starting rotation on July 26.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=July 26, 2008 |title=Laffey sent down with Carmona's return |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080726&content_id=3199568&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730191900/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080726&content_id=3199568&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=July 30, 2008 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

On September 19 against [[Detroit Tigers|Detroit]], Hernández hit [[Gary Sheffield]] with a pitch. The two exchanged words as Sheffield walked to first base with his bat tucked under this arm. Before the next pitch, Hernández made a pick-off throw to first base. Sheffield again started exchanging words with Hernández, and this time [[charging the mound|charged the mound]] inducing a [[bench-clearing brawl]]. Hernández was seen landing several punches to Sheffield's head, which left him bloodied. Hernández and Sheffield were both ejected, along with Indians catcher [[Víctor Martínez (baseball)|Víctor Martínez]] and Tigers second baseman [[Plácido Polanco]].<ref>{{cite web |date=September 19, 2008 |title=Indians win with walk-off hit as Hernández, Sheffield brawl |url=http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/recap/MLB_20080919_DET@CLE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923061656/http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/recap/MLB_20080919_DET%40CLE |archive-date=September 23, 2008 |access-date=September 20, 2008 |website=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> Hernández was suspended six games for his role in the brawl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2008 |title=Brawl costs Carmona six games, Sheffield four |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3603091 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

Hernández had a subpar 2009 season, starting 24 games for Cleveland, going 5–12 with 6.32 ERA. He struck out 79 batters in {{frac|125|1|3}} innings.<ref name=":1" /> The Indians finished the year fourth in the AL Central with 65–97 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Cleveland Indians Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2009.shtml |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2010, Hernández improved dramatically from 2009 and was honored with his first All Star selection. He had a 13–14 record with a 3.77 ERA, while striking out 124 batters in {{frac|210|1|3}} innings.<ref name=":1" />

On February 28, 2011, Indians manager [[Manny Acta]] announced that Hernández had been selected as the starter for Cleveland's season opener against the Chicago White Sox. The April 1 start would be his first on Opening Day.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 28, 2011 |title=Fausto Carmona to Start Opening Day |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/spring2011/news/story?id=6168694 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

In front of a sellout crowd of 41,721 fans at Cleveland's ballpark [[Progressive Field]], Hernández started the 2011 season for the Indians.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Chicago 15, Cleveland 10 Box Score |url=http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/baseball/mlb/game/WhiteSox_Indians/2011/04/01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007135909/http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/baseball/mlb/game/WhiteSox_Indians/2011/04/01 |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Padilla |first=Doug |date=April 2, 2011 |title=Buehrle's 9th opener one to remember |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/white-sox/post/_/id/3988/buehrles-ninth-opener-was-one-to-remember |access-date=April 2, 2011 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> Hernández posted the worst opening day start in Major League history, as he became the first starting pitcher in 60 years to allow 10 runs in a team's first game.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Jim |title=Carmona posts worst Opening Day start in MLB history, Indians fall to ChiSox |url=http://www.allheadlinenews.com/briefs/articles/90043191?Carmona%20posts%20worst%20Opening%20Day%20start%20in%20MLB%20history%2C%20Indians%20fall%20to%20ChiSox |access-date=April 2, 2011 |website=[[All Headline News]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Hernández was the losing pitcher as he threw 88 pitches over three innings, in which he allowed 11 hits, two [[home run]]s, one [[Base on balls|walk]], and 10 [[earned run]]s before leaving the game with an [[earned run average]] of 30.00.<ref name=":3" /> When pulled from the game, he was booed by fans.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=April 1, 2011 |title=White Sox outslug Indians 15–10 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=310401105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407122040/https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=310401105 |archive-date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |website=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The last pitcher to allow 10-plus runs in an opener was [[Early Wynn]] of the [[Minnesota Twins#Washington Nationals.2FSenators: 1901.E2.80.931960|Washington Senators]], who accomplished the feat on April 19, 1948. In that game, Wynn surrendered 12 runs but managed to pitch {{frac|8|1|3}} innings.<ref>{{cite web |last= |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Fausto Carmona Had A Really Bad Day At The Office |url=http://rumorsandrants.com/2011/04/fausto-carmona-had-a-really-bad-day-at-the-office.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404025001/http://rumorsandrants.com/2011/04/fausto-carmona-had-a-really-bad-day-at-the-office.html |archive-date=April 4, 2011 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |website=Rumors & Rants}}</ref>

On July 16, 2012, Hernández was granted a visa to work in the U.S.<ref name="Caught">{{cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=July 21, 2012 |title=Cleveland Indians RHP Roberto Hernandez receives U.S. visa; will serve three-week suspension |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_indians_rhp_roberto.html |access-date=July 22, 2012 |newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> On July 21, he began serving a three-week suspension delivered by the MLB for age and identity fraud.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=July 21, 2012 |title=Indians' Hernandez gets visa, 3-week suspension |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/07/21/cleveland-indians-roberto-hernandez-suspended.ap/index.html?sct=mlb_t2_a12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217012729/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/07/21/cleveland-indians-roberto-hernandez-suspended.ap/index.html?sct=mlb_t2_a12 |archive-date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=July 22, 2012 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher=[[CNN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> While he served the suspension, Hernandez was allowed to pitch simulated games and in the minors. He rejoined the Indians on August 11. Hernández started his first game since 2011 on August 15 against the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], allowing eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits in six innings in the 8–4 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2012 |title=Mike Trout, Chris Iannetta power Angels, Ervin Santana to win |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320815103 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602062501/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320815103 |archive-date=June 2, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He ended the season 0–3 with a 7.53 ERA in {{frac|14|1|3}} innings.<ref name=":1" /> He became a free agent following the season.

===Tampa Bay Rays===
On December 18, 2012, Hernández  signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the [[Tampa Bay Rays]].<ref>{{cite news |date=December 18, 2012 |title=Rays sign Hernandez, was known as Fausto Carmona |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/rays-sign-hernandez-known-fausto-231128825--mlb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222021236/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/rays-sign-hernandez-known-fausto-231128825--mlb.html |archive-date=December 22, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He was named their number five starter before the 2013 season. Hernández recorded his first career win under his real name on April 21, allowing one run in six innings while striking out seven in an 8–1 victory over the [[Oakland Athletics]].<ref>{{cite news |date=April 21, 2013 |title=Rays Starter Wins Again, This Time Under Real Name |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/22/sports/baseball/baseball-roundup.html?_r=0 |access-date=April 22, 2013 |work=[[The New York Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On July 30, Hernández recorded his first complete game with the Rays, a 5–2 defeat of the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2013 |title=Roberto Hernandez logs win as Tampa Bay Rays best Diamondbacks |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2013/07/30/MLB-Tampa-Bay-5-Arizona-2/44311375242224/ |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[United Press International]] |language=en}}</ref> In 32 games (24 starts) with the Rays, he finished 6–13 with one save and a 4.89 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> He became a free agent following the season.

===Philadelphia Phillies===
On December 18, 2013, Hernández signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the [[Philadelphia Phillies]].<ref>{{cite web |date=December 12, 2013 |title=Roberto Hernandez, Phils agree |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10125937/philadelphia-phillies-ex-cleveland-indians-roberto-hernandez-agree |access-date=March 7, 2014 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2013 |title=Phillies sign Hernandez |url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/phillies-sign-hernandez/c-66053422 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[Philadelphia Phillies]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |language=en}}</ref> After five starts, during which he compiled a 5.81 ERA, he was available to pitch out of the bullpen, as off days meant the Phillies would not need him for over a week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Salisbury |first=Jim |date=April 29, 2014 |title=Hernandez could help in Phils' bullpen this week |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/hernandez-could-help-phils-bullpen-week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502062424/http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/hernandez-could-help-phils-bullpen-week |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=April 30, 2014 |work=[[NBC Sports Philadelphia|Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia]]}}</ref> Around that time, Phillies analyst [[Ricky Bottalico]] commented, "All in all, I like what I've seen from Roberto Hernández early in the ball games, but it's seems to be fourth, fifth, sixth innings, you're seeing a laboring guy out there. The one thing he's got to do is relax himself. It seems like he's trying to be a little too fine with his pitches. When you do that as a pitcher and you're not relaxed, you're going to make mistakes ... one thing he can do is take a deep breath. Getting deeper into games is getting tougher and tougher for him."<ref>{{cite AV media |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/hernandez-could-help-phils-bullpen-week |title=Ricky Bottalico: 'Roberto Hernandez needs to relax' |date=April 29, 2014 |medium=Television broadcast (reproduced online) |publisher=[[NBC Sports Philadelphia|Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia]] |location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502062424/http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/hernandez-could-help-phils-bullpen-week |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=dead |people=[[Ricky Bottalico]]}}</ref> Subsequently, he rebounded, and in 23 appearances (20 starts) with the Phillies, he posted a 6–8 record with an ERA of 3.87.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gelb |first1=Matt |date=August 7, 2014 |title=Phillies trade Roberto Hernandez to Dodgers |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/phillies/Phillies-trade-Roberto-Hernandez-to-Dodgers.html |access-date=August 9, 2014 |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref>

===Los Angeles Dodgers===
On August 7, 2014, Hernández was traded to the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] for either two players to be named later or cash considerations (the players turned out to be minor leaguers [[Jesmuel Valentín]] and [[Víctor Arano]]).<ref>{{cite news |date=August 7, 2014 |title=Dodgers acquire RHP Hernandez from Phillies |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11322304 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He made his first start as a Dodger the next day, allowing two runs in six innings against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2014 |title=Rickie Weeks hits 3-run HR as Brewers rout Dodgers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340808108 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Hernández started nine games for the Dodgers, with a 2–3 record and 4.74 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> He became a free agent following the season.

===Houston Astros===
On February 12, 2015, Hernández signed a minor league contract with the [[Houston Astros]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Drellich |first1=Evan |date=February 12, 2015 |title=Astros add Roberto Hernandez to mix for rotation competition |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/02/12/astros-sign-pitcher-roberto-hernandez-to-minor-league-deal/ |access-date=February 12, 2015 |website=[[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref> He had his contract selected to the major leagues on April 4. He was designated for assignment on July 29 to make room for [[Jed Lowrie]], who was activated from the [[disabled list]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McTaggart |first=Brian |date=July 30, 2015 |title=Lowrie set to return to lineup, will play third base |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jed-lowrie-will-return-from-injury-play-third/c-139631078 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en}}</ref> At the time, Hernández was 3–5 with a 4.36 ERA in 20 games (11 starts).<ref name=":1" /> On August 7, the Astros placed him on release waivers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=August 7, 2015 |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 8/7/15 |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/08/astros-release-roberto-hernandez-cubs-taylor-teagarden-accepts-outright.html |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Toronto Blue Jays===
On December 18, 2015, Hernández signed a minor league contract with the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] that included an invitation to spring training and a March 28 opt-out.<ref name=":4" /> He exercised his March 28 opt-out after learning he would not make the Opening Day roster.<ref>{{cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=March 29, 2016 |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 3/29/16 |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/philip-humber-retire-shane-robinson-roberto-hernandez-opt-out.html |access-date=March 29, 2016 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> Had he made the team out of spring training, the contract would have paid Hernández $1.25 million for the 2016 season.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-agree-to-minor-league-deals-with-five-pitchers/|title=Blue Jays agree to minor-league deals with five pitchers|last=Hoad|first=Michael|work=[[Sportsnet]]|date=December 18, 2015|access-date=December 19, 2015}}</ref> He signed another minor league contract with the Jays on April 20, and was to report to extended spring training.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/722940876637532160|title=Toronto Blue Jays on Twitter|work=[[Twitter]]|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=April 20, 2016}}</ref> Hernández was assigned to the Triple-A [[Buffalo Bisons]] on April 27, and released on July 3.<ref>{{cite web |last=Byrne |first=Connor |date=July 3, 2016 |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 7/3/16 |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/minor-mlb-transactions-7316.html |access-date=July 3, 2016 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref>

===Atlanta Braves===
On July 15, 2016, Hernández signed a minor league contract with the [[Atlanta Braves]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Braves Transactions in July 2016 |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/roster/transactions/2016/07 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |work=[[Atlanta Braves]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He was added to the Braves roster on August 6, and designated for assignment on August 12 after making two starts (1–1, 8.00 ERA).<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=August 12, 2016 |title=Braves Designate Roberto Hernandez For Assignment |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/braves-designate-roberto-hernandez-for-assignment.html |access-date=August 12, 2016 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> On October 4, 2016, Hernández elected free agency.<ref name=":1" />

==Pitching style==
Hernández was known for his hard [[Sinker (baseball)|sinker]] and exhibiting good control of his pitches. He did not throw exceptionally hard when he debuted in the [[minor league]]s at age 21, but developed a [[fastball]] that could reach 97&nbsp;mph. He also threw a [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] and a [[changeup]], but relied mostly on his hard sinker to get many ground ball outs.

==Name and age controversy==
In January 2012, Dominican police arrested Hernández after he left the U.S. Consulate, accusing him of using a false identity to obtain a visa. Police reported his real name as '''Roberto Hernández Heredia''', and that he was actually three years older than he reported.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rojas |first=Enrique |date=January 19, 2012 |title=Indians' Carmona accused of using false ID |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7480419/fausto-carmona-cleveland-indians-arrested-accused-using-false-identity |access-date=January 19, 2012 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=January 19, 2012 |title=Fausto Carmona arrested in Dominican Republic for using false identity |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/19/report-fausto-carmona-arrested-in-dominican-republic-for-using-false-identity/ |newspaper=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref> The Indians placed Hernández on the restricted list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bastian |first=Jordan |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Indians place Carmona on restricted list |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120126&content_id=26476910&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128030404/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120126&content_id=26476910&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=January 28, 2012 |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7480419/fausto-carmona-cleveland-indians-arrested-accused-using-false-identity | title=Indians' Carmona accused of using false ID | date=January 19, 2012 }}</ref> Officials in both countries received assistance in the case from a woman in the Dominican Republic who claimed she falsified a birth certificate for Hernández in exchange for $26,000, but when Hernández's father failed to pay her, she contacted the authorities.<ref name="Caught" />

While he was known as Fausto Carmona, his birth date was given as December 7, 1983, which would have made him {{age in years and months |1983|12|07 |2006|04|15}} old at the time of his MLB debut. Since being known by his real name, his birth date has been listed as August 30, 1980, by [[ESPN.com]],<ref name="espn-profile" /> [[MLB.com]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Roberto Hernandez Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/roberto-hernandez-433584 |accessdate=December 6, 2021 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> and [[Retrosheet]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/C/Pcarmf001.htm |title=Fausto Carmona |website=[[Retrosheet]] |accessdate=December 6, 2021}}</ref> That birth date indicates that he was actually {{age in years and months |1980|08|30 |2006|04|15}} old at the time of his MLB debut.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{baseballstats |mlb=433584 |espn=6356 |br=c/carmofa01 |fangraphs=3273 |brm=carmon001fau |retro=C/Pcarmf001}}
:

{{s-start|header={{s-ach}}}}
{{succession box
| title  = [[American League]] [[Pitcher of the month]]
| years  = September 2007
| before = [[Andy Pettitte]]
| after  = [[Cliff Lee]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{Cleveland Indians Opening Day starting pitchers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hernandez, Roberto}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Age controversies in sports]]
[[Category:Águilas Cibaeñas players]]
[[Category:Akron Aeros players]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players]]
[[Category:Burlington Indians players (1986–2006)]]
[[Category:Cleveland Indians players]]
[[Category:Columbus Clippers players]]
[[Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Gwinnett Braves players]]
[[Category:Houston Astros players]]
[[Category:Impostors]]
[[Category:Kinston Indians players]]
[[Category:Lake County Captains players]]
<!--
[[Category:Dominican Republic people of African descent]]-->
[[Category:Leones del Escogido players]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:21st-century Dominican Republic sportsmen]]
[[Category:Mahoning Valley Scrappers players]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Phillies players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Rays players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Santo Domingo]]