NEW YORK, May 24 (UPI) -- The New York Mets and Arizona Wednesday swapped right-handed pitchers with New York getting starter Orlando Hernandez in exchange for reliever Jorge Julio.
Hernandez, known as "El Duque," is expected to provide the Mets' injury-plagued starting rotation some help.
New York is without Brian Bannister (hamstring) and Victor Zambrano (elbow).
The Mets lost John Maine (finger), who made only one start before he was injured.
Bannister and Maine are expected to return, but Zambrano is gone for the season after undergoing elbow surgery.
"I feel very fortunate to be able to bring in a proven guy like that, who's well-respected and liked across the board," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya. "Another valuable thing with "El Duque" is he's been in New York before so we know he can handle this environment."
In 45 2/3 innings, Hernandez is 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA.
Julio is 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA and one save.
