Forget about faking your identity to get into a bar. How about committing identity fraud to play Major League Baseball?
Well, that's what Marlins pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo did for seven years. Oviedo, originally from the Dominican Republic, played under the alias Leo Nunez and claimed he was a year younger than he actually was. He has been suspended for eight weeks by Major League Baseball.
Oviedo's fake identity came to light at the end of last season. In September he was placed on the Florida Marlins restricted list without an explanation. He returned to the Dominican Republic this offseason to deal with the issue where he admitted to using false identity documents.
According to Oviedo, he has obtained a visa from the United States government and will return to Florida on Monday.
Last season Oviedo recorded 36 saves and a 4.06 ERA in 68 games for the Marlins. When the pitcher gets to Florida he can participate in extended spring training. He is allowed one rehabilitation start in the minors for a maximum of 16 days. Oviedo is eligible to return to the Marlins on July 23.
