Oviedo gets US waiver after fake-name case

By DIONISIO SOLDEVILA

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) Dominican pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo has received a waiver from the U.S. government after he used a fake name and age to play professional baseball.

A U.S. waiver of his ineligibility was required from the Department of Homeland Security under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The waiver allows him to apply a visa to travel to the U.S. and potentially rejoin the Miami Marlins.

Oviedo says he still does not have a visa from the U.S. consulate in his homeland of the Dominican Republic. He says he hopes to soon rejoin the team.

Formerly known as Leo Nunez, Oviedo has a $6 million, one-year contract with the Marlins, who have kept him on the restricted list. They signed Heath Bell to replace him as their closer in December.

Oviedo used a fake name for seven major league seasons. He says he did it when he was younger in order to play professionally.

Updated May 24, 2012