Hernandez to Return to Yankee Rotation

Orlando Hernandez threw for 12 minutes in the bullpen Saturday and seems set to return to the New York Yankees’ rotation next week in Texas.

“He had a good session. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre said.

Hernandez most likely will take the place of rookie Ted Lilly, who has one win in his last 14 starts.

Yankee Manager Joe Torre, who has called the return of Hernandez “crucial” to New York’s hopes for a fourth consecutive World Series title, didn’t want to announce any decision until today.

Hernandez, on the disabled list since June 1, has been rehabilitating following surgery on the second toe of his left foot June 15 and pitched six shutout innings Thursday for Class-A Staten Island. He was 0-5 with a 5.14 earned-run average in nine starts for the Yankees before going on the disabled list.

“He was fine today. Everything was real good today,” Torre said. “As long as he comes out of it with the usual aches and pains, we’ll activate him and we’ll see which day he’ll pitch.”

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Boston Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez will throw a second simulated game Tuesday, and if all goes well, he will return to the rotation Aug. 26 against the Texas Rangers.

Martinez threw 60 pitches--including 10 curveballs--before Thursday night’s game and said he felt fine.

Also, the Red Sox activated right-hander Hipolito Pichardo from the disabled list and sent infielder Morgan Burkhart to triple-A Pawtucket.

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Colorado put pitcher Brian Bohanon on the 15-day disabled list for the third time this season because of inflammation in his left elbow.

Bohanon was replaced by left-hander Todd Belitz, acquired from Oakland on July 25 in the three-team trade that sent Neifi Perez to Kansas City.

Bohanon is 5-8 with a 7.14 ERA this season. He is 0-3 in his last six starts, giving up 23 earned runs in 17 innings and hasn’t won since July 20.

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Baltimore recalled right-handed pitcher Jorge Julio from triple-A Rochester and sent down right-hander Kris Foster. . . . Tampa Bay’s top pick in the June amateur draft, right-hander Dewon Brazelton, is still unsigned and has enrolled for the fall semester at Middle Tennessee State.