Seattle Mariners Place Felix Hernandez on the Disabled List
By David Hill
A rough season for Felix Hernandez got even worse today, as the Seattle Mariners placed their star on the disabled list with right biceps tendonitis.
The 2017 season has been a struggle for Seattle Mariners star Felix Hernandez. He is in the midst of the worst season of his career, posting a 5-4 record with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.357 WHiP as he has dealt with injuries. Even those numbers, as mediocre as they are, have been better than expected, given Hernandez’ 5.20 FIP and career worst home run and hit rates.
Those injury issues have continued, as the Mariners placed Hernandez on the disabled list earlier today. Diagnosed with tendonitis in his right biceps, this is his second stint on the disabled list this year, as he also missed time with shoulder inflammation. At this point, it is unknown how much time Hernandez will miss.
These arm issues may not be entirely unexpected. Over his career, Hernandez has been a workhorse, firing 200 or more innings for eight consecutive years between 2008 and 2015. He had gone over the 2000 inning mark at 28 years old, building up quite a few innings on his young arm.
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At this point, it may be fair to wonder how much Hernandez has left. His velocity has dropped by over two MPH since 2014, leaving him to get by on pure pitching ability and guile. It is possible that Hernandez can reinvent himself, much like Pedro Martinez did, and remain a solid starter. However, his days as a perennial All Star and Cy Young contender are likely over.
Likewise, one has to wonder how much the Mariners will be able to count on Hernandez going forward. This is the second season that he has dealt with injuries, and given the innings on his arm, Hernandez may not be able to be that middle of the rotation innings eater either.
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Once a model of durability, Felix Hernandez may well be seeing his workload catching up to him. For the second time this season, the Seattle Mariners have placed their former ace on the disabled list.