Seattle Mariners expect Felix Hernandez and James Paxton back next week

Felix Hernandez and James Paxton could rejoin the Seattle Mariners’ rotation next week, just in time for the team’s final playoff push.

If the Seattle Mariners want to reach the postseason, they’re going to have to make their move soon. Their 4-3 victory over the rival Angels last night snapped a three-game losing streak and moved them to within four games of the AL’s second Wild Card spot. They’re still in the race, but with just over three weeks left in the season, another rough stretch could bury them.

Fortunately, the Mariners’ rotation is about to get a major boost as two of its most important members return to the fold. According to ESPN.com, Felix Hernandez and James Paxton are both expected to return from the disabled list next week. They threw simulated games on Friday, and Seattle manager Scott Servais says they will log bullpen sessions in the early part of next week before potentially returning to game action:

"“Very encouraging, positive signs, and both guys look on track to get in the rotation next week… You might see one in Texas (for a series that starts Monday) and one in Houston (for a series that starts Friday)… We’ve played around with a couple different scenarios depending on what it looked like today. We’ll talk about it some more and get it mapped out.”"

Hernandez certainly hasn’t had one of his trademark years. He’s made only 13 starts as he’s battled right shoulder bursitis. In 73.2 innings, the right-hander owns a 4.28 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 3.29 K/BB ratio. Hernandez’s ERA and 100 ERA+ are his worst marks in those categories since 2006, his second big league season.

King Felix has been particularly victimized by the home run, allowing two per nine innings. That has contributed to a 5.19 FIP that tells an even worse story than his already uncharacteristically high ERA. In all, the 31-year-old has done little to stem the tide of his gradual decline since 2014, when he led the AL with a 2.14 ERA.

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Nevertheless, Hernandez still possesses considerable name and reputation value, and the Mariners will be glad to welcome him back for the stretch run. If he’s fully healthy and can work a bit of his old magic, the King could have his say regarding Seattle’s playoff chances.

As for Paxton, he’s effectively seized the mantle of staff ace from his teammate. The 28-year-old lefty has enjoyed a breakout season, posting a sparkling 12-3 record, 2.78 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 4.18 K/BB in 119.2 innings. He’s been hampered by injuries as well, a strained left forearm earlier in the season and now a strained left pectoral muscle that has limited him to 20 outings.

However, when Paxton does take the hill, the M’s can be fairly confident about their chances of winning. They’ve won eight of his last night starts. If Seattle does manage to squeak into the postseason with a Wild Card spot, Paxton likely gets the ball for that reason.

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At 70-71, the Mariners can get back to .500 with another win tonight at home against the Angels. More importantly, they can continue to trim their Wild Card deficit. This time next week, they should have a much healthier rotation with which to face the season’s final weeks.