Orlando Hernandez is continuing to get himself in shape to rejoin the Mets, and with Pedro Martinez out 4-6 weeks, his return can’t come soon enough.

“El Duque” made a rehab start for the St. Lucie Mets on Thursday, according to an MLB story, allowing two runs and three hits over five innings while striking out six.

The 41-year-old righthander has been troubled this spring by a bunion on a toe, and he’s been working on a toned-down windup to alleviate pressure on his right foot. Hernandez says he’ll likely need two more minor league starts before returning to the New York club.

The St. Lucie Mets lost to the Vero Beach Devil Rays (they apparently haven’t dropped the “Devil” yet) 8-3 in the Florida State League opener.

The MRI results aren’t yet in, but the
Daily Record is reporting that the New York Mets have placed Pedro Martinez on the 15-day disabled list.

Martinez pulled his left hamstring in the fourth inning of Tuesday night’s game against the Florida Marlins, saying he heard a pop.

The Mets are bringing up Nelson Figueroa to fill Martinez’s roster spot, but speculation is they could go with a four-man rotation for the near future.