ARLINGTON, Texas — El Duque's comeback attempt with the Texas Rangers has ended.

Texas released Orlando Hernandez from his minor league contract Friday, making him a free agent.

Hernandez had 12 strikeouts over 11 innings in eight relief appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City since being activated three weeks ago.

Hernandez, part of four World Series championship teams, last pitched in the majors for the New York Mets in 2007 before toe surgery.

The pitcher's age has been questioned at times, and is listed as high as 43 by some accounts. The Rangers said he was 39 when they signed him June 12.