Right-hander Felix Hernandez will make his next start on schedule Saturday against the Texas Rangers. (Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)
LOS ANGELES — The Seattle Mariners will have their ace back in his place. Right-hander Felix Hernandez will make his next start on schedule Saturday against the Texas Rangers. Hernandez tested his sore right quadriceps muscle before the game at Dodger Stadium Wednesday by throwing on flat ground.
Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon talked with Hernandez before the workout and said even then that Hernandez would be ready to take his regular turn.
“My conversation with Felix is he’s fine,” McClendon said. “He’s ready to go.”
Hernandez was pulled after just five innings in his most recent start Sunday against the Oakland A’s. He strained his quad muscle while covering first base earlier in the game and gave up three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out just one before leaving.
Hernandez’s status allows the Mariners to keep their rotation intact.
Fifth starter J.A. Happ is scheduled to start Friday against the Rangers followed by Hernandez on Saturday and lefty James Paxton on Sunday.
