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Seattle Mariners: Felix Hernandez Set to Return After All-Star Break

By Justin Koonce

May 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is on the disabled list for the first time since 2008. According to manager Scott Servais, he’s set to return following the All-Star Break.

Ever since he broke into the league at the age of 19, Felix Hernandez has been incredibly durable. He made twelve starts after being called up for the first time in 2005, and he has started 30 games every season since. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 1 after straining his right calf. Hernandez is set to throw his second bullpen session today as he continues to work toward a return from the DL. Seattle Manager Scott Servais is targeting a return after the All-Star Break.

Prior to his injury, King Felix was having a stellar season, posting an ERA of 2.86 in 10 starts. He also provided the Mariners with seven quality starts and 77 strikeouts. He was what he has been for the last ten years, the anchor to a rotation that’s been shaky at times.

After he was placed on the DL, Seattle called up James Paxton to take his place in the rotation. Paxton has been solid in six starts, posting a 4.15 ERA. He may have pitched his way into keeping a rotation spot even after Hernandez returns. In five starts since Felix got injured, veteran Hisashi Iwakuma has posted a respectable 4.18 ERA. 23 year-old Taijuan Walker has been huge for the Mariners this season. In 14 starts, he’s posted a 3.45 ERA.

The rotation has mostly held up thanks to the contributions of those three, but the Mariners will be very glad to have their ace back. After a hot start, they’ve fallen to 40-39, 10.5 games back of the division-leading Rangers and 2.5 games out of the second AL wild card.

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In order to make the playoffs, Seattle is going to need a big run at a wild card spot, and Felix may just be the spark they need. However, their schedule following the All-Star Break is brutal. In their first 24 games after the break, only five are against sub-.500 teams.

The Seattle Mariners’ playoff hopes this season may very well rest in the hands of Felix Hernandez, and for them,  his return can’t come soon enough.

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