Roberto Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams during his career. Known for his sinker and changeup, Hernandez began his MLB journey with the Cleveland Indians. Initially debuting under the name Fausto Carmona, he quickly became a reliable starter for the team. In 2007, Hernandez had a standout season, finishing with a 19-8 record and a 3.06 ERA, which helped the Indians reach the postseason. His performance that year earned him a fourth-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Hernandez's career faced a significant challenge in 2012 when it was revealed that he had been using a false identity. His real name was Roberto Hernandez Heredia, and he was three years older than previously believed. This revelation led to a suspension, but he returned to the mound later that year with the Indians.
After his time in Cleveland, Hernandez signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013. During his stint with the Rays, he served as a starting pitcher, contributing to the team's rotation. The following year, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to showcase his pitching skills. Midway through the 2014 season, Hernandez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he finished the year.
In 2015, Hernandez signed with the Houston Astros. His time with the Astros was marked by a mix of starting and relief appearances. The following year, he joined the Atlanta Braves organization but was released before the season began. Later in 2016, Hernandez signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, though he did not make an appearance for the major league team.
Throughout his career, Hernandez was known for his ability to induce ground balls, thanks to his effective sinker.
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