Mariners notebook: Felix Hernandez closing in on 20 and 200

ARLINGTON, Texas – A somewhat quick turnaround here in Texas with the odd 2 p.m. local start for the Mariners’ finale against the Rangers. Felix Hernandez is going for win No. 18 on the season, looking to join Randy Johnson and Jamie Moyer as the only Mariners pitchers with multiple 18-plus win seasons. He should get two more starts after today so the possibility of 20 wins remains.

Another impressive milestone is on the near horizon, as Felix needs just 10 more innings to reach 200 and is 20 strikeouts short of 200. If he reaches both, he will become just the fourth MLB pitcher to do so in seven straight seasons, which will tie him for the second longest such streak with Roger Clemens and Walter Johnson. Tom Seaver holds the record with nine straight 200/200 seasons. Not bad company.

First thing is first however, Felix needs a win Sunday to put him two closer to 20. Lloyd McClendon is going with a mostly righty lineup against Derek Holland.

Lineup!

Ketel Marte, SS
Kyle Seager, 3B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Franklin Gutierrez, LF
Mark Trumbo, 1B
Seth Smith, RF
Stefen Romero, CF
Jesus Sucre, C

Felix Hernandez, RHP

Notes

• Stefen Romero is playing center for the first time. He told reporters he has never played there before – not in college, high school or Little League. He found out he was in center when he saw the lineup posted in the visitors clubhouse.

“I was like, center field. Alright. Let’s go!” he said. “I’m pretty excited.”

He has taken balls in all three outfield positions during batting practice.

“From what I’ve heard center is the easiest out of the three. I’m just going to go out and have fun,” he said.

• Franklin Gutierrez is no longer an option in center – his legs simply will not allow him to play the position – but whenever possible McClendon has had him in the lineup. Gutierrez hit his 14th home run of the season last night and is just four shy of his career high of 18 set in 2009. What’s remarkable is Gutierrez has 14 home runs in just 142 at-bats. In 2009 he had 568. This year Gutierrez is hitting a home run every 10.14 at-bats, which is the best ratio in club history. Gutierrez’s .683 slugging percentage is the highest in baseball for any player with 150 plate appearances or more. Bryce Harper is second at .671, followed by Giancarlo Stanton .606, Nelson Cruz .586 and Mike Trout .583.

• Felix isn’t the only Mariner nearing big milestones. Robinson Cano is five hits away from 2,000 for his career.

• Monday’s starting pitcher vs. Anaheim is still listed as TBA in the probables. McClendon said a decision had not yet been made to whether or not Vidal Nuno will make another start.

• Sunday’s game can be heard on 770 KTTH.

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