Mariners’ Felix Hernandez, Taijuan Walker are off and throwing

PEORIA, Ariz. – There was a three-ring-circus level of activity on the lower fields Thursday and at times it was hard to pick which ring to go watch. On Field 5, Taijuan Walker was throwing to hitters for the first time this spring while on Field 6, new Mariner Nelson Cruz took his first batting practice off a live arm. Young hitters – a group that included D.J. Peterson and Patrick Kivlehan – versus a pitcher who will battle for a spot on one field, veteran hitters on another against pitchers less likely to make the final roster. Spring-training dilemmas.

As much as I wanted to see how long it took Cruz to swing at his first live pitch, his position is secure. Walker will be watched more carefully this spring and today’s session was the first look. It was a good one at that.

On first glance he looked a bit different. Late last year, Walker made a change in his delivery with the Mariners trying to keep his motion more natural, starting with his leg lift, which is now very slight. As a result, he looks less stiff in his delivery. Changes were also made with his weight-lifting program with the emphasis being put on flexibility, both in the upper and lower body. He looks comfortable with the changes, and with the exception of a four- to five-pitch sequence midway through his throwing session, he maintained good command for a first outing.

Felix Hernandez threw today as well. Not to hitters like the others but in the bullpen for the first time this spring. Felix typically starts a little later than the rest of the staff. At this point of his career he simply doesn’t need to throw as many bullpens as most to get ready and there is no point wasting pitches in spring training. Today he threw 30 pitches off the mound to Mike Zunino and was so pleased with the outing that after his final pitch he did a full axel with a bonus heel click. “Probably because I am a little lighter,” said Felix, who reported to camp at 206 pounds. And yes, you can see that in the video above.

Felix threw mostly fastballs and changeups today with a couple of sliders mixed in. He did not throw his curve. He saw what he wanted from the pitches he threw.

“They were pretty good,” he said with more than a hint of excitement in his voice. “I’m telling you, that was good. I was looking for location and throwing strikes.”

Felix will throw at least one more bullpen before facing hitters. His first Cactus League start has yet to be announced.

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