Hernandez to make one more Triple-A start

CLEVELAND -- Indians starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez pitched into the eighth inning in his Minor League start for Class A Lake County on Sunday.

Hernandez, formerly Fausto Carmona, allowed four runs -- all on solo homers -- on six hits over 7 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out nine and walked only one in a losing effort.

Hernandez's three-week suspension ends on Saturday, but Indians manager Manny Acta said the sinkerballer will make one more start for Triple-A Columbus on Friday before rejoining the big league roster. He has allowed a combined 10 earned runs over 17 1/3 innings in his three starts for Lake County and Columbus, while striking out 15 and walking three.

"They were happy with the way he threw the ball [Sunday]," Acta said Monday. "After the next start, chances are he'll be up here."

When asked if he felt ready to pitch in the Majors again, Hernandez said: "Yeah, I feel good." He hasn't pitched for the Indians since last Sept. 25 after being arrested in January for using a false name.