SHANNON DRAYER

Drayer: Mariners’ Felix Hernandez much happier with 2nd bullpen of spring training

Feb 20, 2018, 4:05 PM | Updated: 4:34 pm

Felix Hernandez threw his second bullpen of Mariners spring training on Tuesday. (AP)...

Felix Hernandez threw his second bullpen of Mariners spring training on Tuesday. (AP)

(AP)

PEORIA, Ariz. – Spring training felt like spring training Tuesday in Peoria. While the temps were still cool, the sun was shining as the full squad took the field for the Mariners. After the team went through their group stretch, the pop of the gloves could be heard. Pitchers warmed up, bullpens were thrown, there was a base running drill and rounds of batting practice, both live arm and off coaches. A lot of work to get in before games begin in the Cactus League on Friday.

Dipoto updates Mariners’ injuries | Erasmo on his lat strain

Of most interest on the field was Felix Hernandez’s second bullpen of the spring. He declared his first bullpen to be just “OK.” Tuesday’s bullpen received a different review.

Felix threw 37 pitches in his bullpen, mixing in his slider and changeup, which was particularly sharp. Pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. was pleased to see Felix slow the process down. In the past Felix has started up late and ramped up quickly in spring training. The Mariners don’t need him throwing 100 percent in mid-February, though, and Felix took advantage of that focusing more on mechanics Tuesday.

Projected No. 5 starter Marco Gonzales threw in the same group as Felix. One of his tasks this spring is to reintroduce the cutter to his repertoire, which he didn’t use in 2017, his first season back from Tommy John surgery. He threw several in his bullpen but is still getting the feel for it. Something to watch in particular as the regular season approaches.

Photo gallery: Full squad reports to Mariners spring training

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Showers And Thunderstorms
High 52° | Low 42°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 7:10pm

Shannon Drayer

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Mariners’ young core, now veterans, fueled by last year’s letdown

Falling back can be a part of growing up, and for the once young core of the Seattle Mariners, it is now part of their DNA.

7 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh...

Shannon Drayer

Why Mariners hitters are embracing new approach to offense

The Seattle Mariners have new players, new coaches and new messaging for their offense. Based on spring training, it's all landing.

1 day ago

Seattle Mariners Gabe Speier...

Shannon Drayer

Inside how the Mariners’ pitching lab gets most out of relievers

With two of the Seattle Mariners' best relievers beginning the season on the injured list, the team's “pitching lab” has perhaps never been needed more.

2 days ago

Seattle Mariners Dominic Canzone...

Shannon Drayer

Breakdown: What Mariners bring north this year is very different

How is the group the Seattle Mariners are bringing north from Arizona? Insider Shannon Drayer details the roster -- and some thoughts from clubhouse leaders -- after 40 days at spring training.

4 days ago

Seattle Mariners Emerson Hancock...

Shannon Drayer

Drayer’s Mariners Notebook: Expectations for demoted players, more

Shannon Drayer details plans for the players not making the Seattle Mariners' opening day roster and much more in her latest notebook.

5 days ago

Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh Julio Rodríguez...

Shannon Drayer

Drayer: A look around the diamond as Mariners near opening day

Let's take a trip around the diamond with thoughts on each position as the Seattle Mariners are less than a week from the start of 2024.

6 days ago

Drayer: Mariners’ Felix Hernandez much happier with 2nd bullpen of spring training