On the Mets beat

Orlando Hernandez just completed a 41-pitch session on the mound under the watchful gaze of pitching coach Rick Peterson. El Duque appeared fine and joked occasionally with bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello in dropping down for a few breaking pitches. When Hernandez was finished, he played long toss. But with the clubhouse now closed before today's 1:10 game against the Tigers, we'll have to wait to check on his condition.