Mariners’ Felix Hernandez making progress, could throw on field soon

BOSTON – Felix Hernandez is close to being ready to taking a big step forward in his return from a right calf strain. After two weeks of being confined to throwing from a chair in the batting cages, the Mariners ace recently began to throw from his feet while wearing a protective boot.

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Felix has continued with his in-between-start program (shoulder and arm work), doing a series of special exercises on his usual start day. Most recently he mixed in about 40 throws standing up. He is scheduled to see the doctor again on Monday and the hope is he will get cleared to take the boot off and start throwing on the field. If all goes well, he could soon start a regular throwing program working toward getting back on the mound.

There is still no timetable set for the return of Felix, who has already missed 15 games, but according to trainers the biggest hurdle he needs to pass before being activated is being able to complete the twist in his delivery without pain.