Felix Hernandez expected to be out ‘a little while’ after taking line drive to arm
Felix Hernandez is expected to be out for a bit after leaving his spring training debut after taking a line drive off of his right arm.
During the second inning of Monday’s game between the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs, Hernandez was struck on the right forearm by a ball off the bat of Victor Caratini. He immediately grabbed the arm before crouching on the infield grass in obvious discomfort.
Félix Hernández exits today’s spring training start after being struck on the upper right forearm. #MarinersST pic.twitter.com/y3fnXzShxc
— ROOT SPORTS™ | NW (@ROOTSPORTS_NW) February 26, 2018
After the game, Seattle manager Scott Servais said he was informed his star pitcher did not have any broken bones. Servais added the report he received is that Hernandez has a contusion and would be out “a little while.”
#Mariners manager Scott Servais on Félix Hernández's arm injury: pic.twitter.com/8bt67gEWP2
— ROOT SPORTS™ | NW (@ROOTSPORTS_NW) February 27, 2018
Hernandez, 31, is coming off a disappointing season in which he made just 16 starts, his fewest since his first season in the majors. In 86.2 innings, Hernandez pitched to a 4.36 ERA with 78 strikeouts.
Hernandez, who has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past decade, is looking to have a bounce back year. Hopefully, he can return sooner rather than later to get ready for the upcoming season.