Major League Baseball

Nats reportedly sign El Duque to minor-league deal

Published Jul. 2, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Washington Nationals declined comment on a report they have reached an agreement with 44-year-old Orlando Hernandez on a minor-league contract, but his half-brother, Livan, says El Duque is on his way to the organization.

Orlando Hernandez last pitched in the majors in 2007 with the New York Mets.

``We're really happy for him to come back and pitch again,'' Livan Hernandez said. ``I don't know how they are going to use him, but he is in good shape and he throws every day, working out every day.''

El Duque is 90-65 with a 4.13 ERA in a 10-year career highlighted by pitching for four World Series winners (Yankees, 1998-2000 and White Sox, 2005).

Livan Hernandez says he speaks with Orlando nearly every day, and he's known about the comeback for about a week.

``He feels good,'' Livan Hernandez said. ``He's in better shape than anybody in baseball. It's unbelievable. He throws the ball good in the offseason in Venezuela - up to 93, 94. I think it could be good.''

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