Status uncertain

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta says the pitcher known as Fausto Carmona is an important part of the rotation and the team is doing what it can to speed up his arrival.

Acta told The Associated Press late Monday that the team is making the necessary moves to get Carmona to the United States for the coming season but also will be prepared to go without him.

Says Acta: "It doesn't matter that he was a little inconsistent last year. Fausto is an important part of our rotation."

Carmona is accused of using a false identity to play baseball in the U.S. and faces a judicial process in the Dominican Republic. He was released from jail on Friday.

Carmona's real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia. He's 31, three years older than he had claimed.