Roberto Hernandez, also known as Fausto Carmona, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams throughout his career. Hernandez was born on December 7, 1980, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He began his professional baseball career in 2000 when he signed with the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent.
Hernandez made his Major League debut on April 15, 2006, with the Cleveland Indians. He quickly became a key member of the team's starting rotation, finishing his rookie season with a 1.77 ERA in 19 starts. Hernandez continued to pitch well for the Indians over the next few seasons, earning a reputation as a reliable starter.
In 2011, Hernandez was arrested in the Dominican Republic for using a false identity. He had been using the name Fausto Carmona, which was not his real name. Hernandez was suspended by Major League Baseball for three weeks and missed the beginning of the 2012 season. He eventually returned to the Indians and finished the season with a 4.89 ERA in 32 starts.
After the 2012 season, Hernandez became a free agent and signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. He struggled in his first season with the Rays, finishing with a 4.89 ERA in 32 starts. However, he bounced back in 2014, posting a 3.16 ERA in 32 starts and helping the Rays reach the playoffs.
Hernandez continued to pitch for several more seasons, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Toronto Blue Jays. He finished his career with a 4.49 ERA in 361 games (307 starts) and a record of 76-89.
Throughout his career, Hernandez was known for his sinker, which he used to induce ground balls and keep hitters off balance. He also had a good slider and changeup, which he used to strike out batters.
Despite his success on the field, Hernandez's career was marred by controversy. In addition to his false identity scandal, he was also accused of domestic violence in 2016. The charges were eventually dropped, but the incident tarnished his reputation.
Overall, Roberto Hernandez had a solid career as a Major League pitcher. He was a reliable starter for several teams and helped lead the Tampa Bay Rays to the playoffs in 2014. However, his career was overshadowed by off-field issues, including his use of a false identity and allegations of domestic violence.
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