'Leo Nunez' returns to US, will rejoin Marlins

Associated Press Sports

updated 5:24 p.m. ET May 25, 2012

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - Dominican relief pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo says he has his U.S. visa, and will able to rejoin the Miami Marlins in August after serving a suspension from Major League Baseball.

Oviedo was caught playing under the fake name of Leo Nunez and spent the offseason in the Dominican Republic clearing up his immigration status. He said Friday that he had received a visa from the U.S. government and would be in South Florida on Monday.

His suspension will be for eight weeks, a person familiar with the case said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the suspension hasn't been announced.

Marlins reliever Edward Mujica, who spoke by phone with Oviedo, said his teammate is excited about rejoining the Marlins.

"He's happy, and I'm happy for him," Mujica said. "He had a bad secret and didn't say anything to anybody, and he's sad about that. Now it's good because everybody knows his real name. But it's going to be hard to call him J.C., you know?"

Oviedo, who turned professional in 2000, has said he used a fake name since he was young so he could say he was old enough to sign his first contract.

He played under the name Leo Nunez for seven major league seasons and had 36 saves and a 4.06 ERA in 68 games for the Marlins in 2011.

They acquired All-Star closer Heath Bell in the offseason, and Oviedo is expected to be given a setup role.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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