Rays to sign Roberto Hernandez

The Tampa Bay Rays are close to signing right-hander Roberto Hernandez, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:

#Rays close to signing RHP Roberto Hernandez (former Fausto Carmona). Depth for rotation or pen

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 12, 2012

Hernandez, 32, enters his 8th season in 2013, spending his entire career until now with the Cleveland Indians. While missing most of last season for reasons related to his fake name, forgery, and other bizarre things, he did still eek out 3 starts of 7.53 ERA ball in 14 and 1/3 innings.

His career marks are much more favorable, averaging 191 innings pitched per season while earning a 4.64 ERA. Hernandez has a modest 5.4 strikeouts-per-nine and a not-terrible 3.5 walks-per nine for his career.

Hernandez was said to be drawing 'healthy interest' as a free agent back in November, according to Paul Hoynes.