Mariners’ Felix Hernandez throws simulated game, eyes July 20 return

HOUSTON – Mariners ace Felix Hernandez threw a three-inning simulated game at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday afternoon, and all went well.

“That was awesome!” Felix said three times as he walked off the field and into the dugout after talking with manager Scott Servais and Mariners trainers.

Hernandez threw all of his pitches with short breaks in between the three innings, facing utility man Shawn O’Malley from the left and right sides. It would be the only batter he faced.

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“(Ketel) Marte was supposed to get in there but he didn’t jump in,” Felix said. “(Franklin Gutierrez) tell me, ‘Yes, I am going to come in and hit a home run,’ and I say, ‘Come on, Guti!'”

O’Malley was tracking for the most part. There were a couple of swings and misses, foul balls and one looping single to left field, after which O’Malley asked for the ball.

“That was pretty good. Good to be back out there facing hitters. Everything was fine,” Felix said.

Coming off a calf strain, the most important test was to see how Felix’s leg would react. He was pleased with how it felt.

“Just to feel good, not to feel anything in my legs. I got good work,” he said.

The unconfirmed plan, he said, is to make a 60-pitch, four-inning rehab start for Single-A Everett on Sunday.

“We’ll see, they might be swinging,” Felix said. “Might be 60 pitches in seven innings.”

If all goes well, Felix should make a start five days later with Triple-A Tacoma and then return to the Mariners. The target for his first start back with the club?

“The 20th, man. A real game,” he said, referring to the Mariners’ July 20 getaway-day game at Safeco Field against the White Sox.

Felix was in good spirits throughout his session. When he saw the media wander down to the field during his warmup he playfully waved them off with a “No, no.” He challenged both teammates and coaches to step in to take a swing and bantered playfully in the dugout with whoever was nearby in between innings. He was putting on a show, clearly eager to prove that he is ready to go.

“I was going crazy when I was at home. Now I am getting closer. It helps to be with the team,” he said.

While on the disabled list, Felix replicated his in-between start routine, though he did extra upper-body and arm work as he had to stay away from his legs. He says he feels strong. As for his arm?

“I think it is fresh,” he said. “I can’t wait to be out there again.”

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