Mariners activate Felix Hernandez off DL, option Andrew Moore

The Mariners have activated Felix Hernandez off the 10-day disabled list, an expected move with the right-hander scheduled to start tonight’s series opener against Houston at Safeco Field.

Rookie Andrew Moore was optioned back to Triple-A Tacoma in the corresponding roster move. Moore pitched seven strong innings in his MLB debut Thursday night and figures to have a place in Seattle’s rotation, but the Mariners don’t need a fifth starter right now with days off on Monday and Thursday of next week.

Stecker: The Mariners finally have the lineup they’ve wanted

Hernandez went on the DL on April 26 because of inflammation in his throwing shoulder. He was 2-2 with a 4.73 ERA, 22 strikeouts and three walks in five starts to begin the season before he was hurt. In three rehab starts with Tacoma, he went 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA and 16 strikeouts.

Earlier this week, Mariners pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. told “Danny, Dave and Moore” about how the 31-year-old Hernandez will have to pitch differently at this stage of his career.

Hernandez will deliver first pitch against the first-place Astros at 7:10. You can hear the game on 710 ESPN Seattle, with pregame coverage starting at 6.

Here is the Mariners’ lineup:

Jean Segura, SS
Ben Gamel, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Mitch Haniger, RF
Danny Valencia, 1B
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Mike Zunino, C

Felix Hernandez, RHP

Related

Details emerge on accident that led to Brendan Donovan’s IL stintMariners rookie Colt Emerson to have season-ending surgeryMariners Notes: Lineup vs Phillies, latest on Bryan WooShould the Mariners re-sign Randy Arozarena?Mariners-Phillies Preview: Injuries, standings and moreWhy you should still buy the Mariners as a playoff team