Associated Press

Indians pitcher Roberto Hernandez made four minor-league starts while serving a three-week suspension for playing under the false name Fausto Carmona.

Going by the result of his first start of 2012 with the Indians on Wednesday, an 8-4 loss to the Angels, they didn't help much.

Even if Hernandez was better prepared to return to the big leagues after those outings, he shouldn't have been allowed to make them.

Players under suspension from the big leagues shouldn't be allowed to participate in official games with affiliated teams.

Hernandez's four minor-league turns should have been taken by pitchers who were eligible for competition.

- Howard Primer