Mariners notebook: Felix Hernandez’s injury occurred before Tuesday’s game
Jun 1, 2016, 4:27 PM
The right calf strain that landed Mariners ace Felix Hernandez on the disabled list occurred before Tuesday’s game against San Diego, Seattle manager Scott Servais said on Wednesday.
“I guess in his workout, stretching before the game,” Servais said in regards to when Hernandez’s injury became apparent. “It just happened. No other issues. Kind of a freak deal.”
Hernandez, who will remain in Seattle during the Mariners’ current five-game road trip, will miss at least two starts, but the hope is he’ll be ready to come off the DL when eligible in less than two weeks.
“He’ll keep his arm activated. He’s sore today … He’ll not do a whole lot for a couple days,” said Servais.
Three things: Who is picking up the slack for the Mariners?
The injury for Hernandez provides an opportunity for 27-year-old lefty James Paxton, who was called up from Triple-A Tacoma to take his place as Wednesday’s starter. Servais is optimistic he’ll keep a run of good outings going in the majors.
“I think he’s throwing great. The reports have been good. He’s made a couple of mechanical adjustments with his release point that feel very natural. He’s always thrown the ball hard but the velocity has been up the last couple outings and he’s throwing strikes.”
With the Rainiers, Paxton is 4-3 with a 3.97 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 10 starts. He’s finished seven of his starts with one run allowed or less.
Notes
• Leonys Martin (hamstring strain) took batting practice before Tuesday’s game and is doing well in his recovery. Servais said Martin’s hamstring isn’t bothering him at all, and he is set to begin jogging during the team’s series in Texas that begins on Friday.
• Ketel Marte (thumb) played six innings at second base in his second rehab game with Tacoma on Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with a double. He was 0 for 5 as the DH on Tuesday. Servais said Marte is at 100 percent and still set to rejoin the Mariners when he’s eligible to come off the DL on June 6.
• Wednesday’s lineup can be found here.
