Jon Daniels Update On “El Duque”

ARLINGTON - On the porch at Pappasito’s in Arlington, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said this evening that he expects veteran pitcher Orlando Hernandez to take advantage of Monday’s opt-out date in his minor league contract since the Rangers don’t intent to add him to the major league roster by then. Daniels said Hernandez wouldn’t be the first relief option coming from Triple-A Oklahoma, that Hernandez is behind reliever-in-training Neftali Feliz.

Hernandez has worked 11 innings in eight relief appearances, allowing three earned runs on four hits with 12 strikeouts and four walks. Feliz was pitched six times since being moved to the bullpen: 8.2 innings, 1 earned run on four hits, 9 K’s and 1 walk.

Manager Ron Washington said starter Matt Harrison (placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 28 with bicep tendinitis) threw about 70 pitches of live BP today and is scheduled to throw again on Friday.