Mariners IL updates: Félix Hernández has Grade 1 lat strain, out 4-6 weeks
May 14, 2019, 4:07 PM
Félix Hernández hit the Mariners' 10-day injured list after his start Sunday in Boston. (AP)
(AP)
Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández received about as good of news as you could get after landing on the 10-day injured list.
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The 33-year-old Hernández told reporters Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 lat strain after feeling shoulder discomfort towards the end of his start Sunday in Boston. The Grade 1 strain, which is the lowest grade, will keep Hernández out of action for four to six weeks, according to Mariners manager Scott Servais.
Felix Hernandez has a grade 1 lat strain. Said he was relieved it was not worse. Felt it on the final pitches he threw Sat. Will be shut down for a short time.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) May 14, 2019
Servais with more on Felix’s injury, not as severe as Strickland’s lat strain, should be out 4-6 weeks.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) May 14, 2019
Hernández had his roughest outing of the 2019 season Sunday, giving up seven earned runs on six hits and a season-high three walks over 2 1/3 innings against the Red Sox. He had a strong start to the season, posting a 3.91 ERA through his first five appearances, but over his last three outings he has made it through just 13 1/3 innings with an ERA of 11.48.
Hernández is one of four Mariners pitchers to hit the IL with a similar injury, joining closer Hunter Strickland (lat), starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc (oblique) and reliever Gerson Bautista (pectoral). LeBlanc may be back as soon as this weekend for the Mariners’ series against the Twins. The veteran left-hander made a rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma on Monday night, throwing 59 pitches (39 for strikes) over 4 1/3 innings in Las Vegas.
Also in Vegas, third baseman Kyle Seager (hand surgery) went 1 for 4 with a double and a walk in the first game of his rehab assignment with the Rainiers on Tuesday. Seager is expected to return May 25, which is the date he is eligible to come off the 60-day IL.
