Hernandez Impressive in Debut

To shouts of “El Duque,” Orlando Hernandez made his U.S. professional debut Thursday night at Tampa, Fla., overcoming occasional control problems to pitch five scoreless innings for the Tampa Yankees.

“It was special for sure,” Hernandez said through his interpreter. “It was a great feeling to be out there.”

Hernandez struck out seven against the Class-A Kissimmee Cobras, giving up two hits and hitting two batters.

Hernandez’s curveball was sharp throughout, while his fastball was clocked at 87-90 mph.

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Four Dominicans who signed to play for the New York Mets organization spent much of Thursday talking with Met officials at Port St. Lucie, Fla., about their legal plight as suspects in the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl.

Vicente Rosario, 20, of New York, and Ruddi De La Cruz, 19, Jose Brea Tousent, 18 and Natividad Tavarez, 18, all of the Dominican Republic, made their first appearance in the St. Lucie County Courthouse on Thursday morning.

The girl told authorities she was raped Tuesday night in one of the players’ rooms at the hotel where they were staying.

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The Seattle Mariners put reliever Bob Wells on the 15-day disabled list because of an abdominal strain. To fill Wells’ roster spot, Seattle recalled right-hander Felipe Lira from triple-A Tacoma. . . . The Oakland A’s activated shortstop Kurt Abbott, who has been sidelined since late February, from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Jorge Velandia to Edmonton of the Pacific Coast League. . . . The St Louis Cardinals’ activated left-hander Donovan Osborne and put right-hander Matt Morris on the 15-day disabled list.

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Houston Astro outfielder Carl Everett and his wife regained custody of their son, eight months after the boy and his sister were put in foster care amid allegations of parental abuse.