Orlando Hernandez gets the victory in his major league debut when the Yankees defeat the Devil Rays in New York, 7-1. ‘El Duque,’ who escaped from Cuba by boat six months ago, allows a run on five hits in seven innings.

At the Huggins-Stengel complex in St. Petersburg, the expansion Devil Rays begin their first mini-camp in franchise history. Twenty-four free agents, signed before the June draft, work out in front of the recently assembled Tampa Bay coaching staff and Tom Foley, the team’s field coordinator.

Although Alex Rodriguez called and asked the team not to choose him, the Mariners still select the stand-out scholastic shortstop with the first pick in the amateur draft. The Westminster Christian High School (FL) senior, who hit .417 with 17 homers along with 90 stolen bases, told club officials that Seattle was too far away and he wanted to play in the National League.

Appearing as a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth inning, Dave Liddell, playing in his only major league game, singles in his lone plate appearance. The Mets’ 23 year-old catcher will stay in the contest, catching the remainder of the team’s 6-3 loss at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium.