Hernandez made his major league debut July 15, 2002, with Kansas City Royals. His encouraging rookie campaign manifested itself in a 4–4 record with a 4.36 ERA in ​74 1⁄3 innings of work over 12 starts.\n', '

Initially thought of as the right-handed ace of the 2003 Royals team that posted the franchise\'s first winning record in nine seasons, Hernandez became the opening-day pitcher by winning Royals\' manager Tony Peña\'s coin toss against left-hander Jeremy Affeldt. After spending the first five weeks on the leaderboard in almost every pitching category, Hernandez faltered as he tried to pitch through pain, and his season ended after 16 starts. He finished the season with a 7–5 record, but missed the entire 2004 season with Tommy John surgery.\n', '

On July 17, 2005, Hernandez ignited a bench-clearing brawl by hitting Detroit Tigers shortstop Carlos Guillén in the head to lead off the sixth inning. The two continued to exchange words down the first base line, and Hernandez threw down his glove and went after Guillén. In all, seven players were ejected, most notably Kyle Farnsworth, who tackled Jeremy Affeldt to reignite the situation that had been settling down. Later in his Royals career, Hernandez got into a scuffle with batterymate John Buck.\n', '

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