Mets' Hernandez to return by spring training after surgery

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NEW YORK -- Orlando Hernandez had surgery on his right foot Friday, and the New York Mets' pitcher is expected to be ready for spring training.

El Duque had a bunion removed from his second toe. An ailing foot interrupted his season, and the Mets collapsed down the stretch without Hernandez in the rotation.

New York dropped 12 of its final 17 games and blew a seven-game cushion in the NL East, missing the playoffs after one of the biggest meltdowns in baseball history.

Hernandez was 9-5 with a 3.72 ERA this year. He made 24 starts and three relief appearances, pitching 147 2-3 innings.

The 42-year-old right-hander is entering the second season of a $12 million, two-year contract.

The operation was performed by Dr. William Hamilton in New York.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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