Felix likely 1-2 more rehab starts from return

Right-hander has been out since mid-May due to shoulder issues

August 10th, 2019

SEATTLE -- Félix Hernandez emerged from Thursday night’s two-plus inning rehab start in Modesto, Calif., with no setbacks, but manager Scott Servais said the veteran right-hander likely needs another outing or two before being ready to return to the Mariners.

Hernandez gave up three hits and two runs with no walks and three strikeouts for the Class A Advanced club. His third hit was a leadoff double in the third inning, after which he was removed from the game, having thrown 41 pitches.

Servais called it “definitely a step in the right direction” for the 33-year-old, who hasn’t pitched for the Mariners since mid-May due to lingering shoulder issues. Servais said he didn’t know exactly when or where Hernandez’s next rehab start would be yet, but eventually would like to get him an outing with Triple-A Tacoma.

The Rainiers are on the road in New Orleans next Tuesday in what would keep him on an every-fifth-day routine, then they return to Tacoma to start an 11-game homestand Thursday. Wherever Hernandez pitches, Servais indicated he’ll need to lengthen his outings before being recalled.

“I’d like to get him through five innings,” Servais said. “That would be great. Build up some endurance. His stuff was pretty good. His fastball velo is starting to come back to what we’ve seen here in the recent past. That’s a good sign.”

Zunino back on (semi-)familiar turf

After spending his first six seasons in the Majors with Seattle, catcher returned to T-Mobile Park on Friday for the first time with the Rays and acknowledged it was emotional to see former teammates and his old home.

One thing that wasn’t familiar? The smaller visiting clubhouse, which he’d only set foot in once since being drafted by the Mariners in 2012.

“I was here in 2013 for my first FanFest and we did an autograph session in here,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the last time I’ve been here. I didn’t get a good viewing of it. I was able to scope it out a little more now.”

As for his last year?

“A whirlwind,” Zunino said. “I never thought I’d be traded. It was sort of a surprise for me early in the offseason, but a blessing at the same time with the birth of our first child. We were able to be close to home.

"It’s been great so far. The organization in Tampa has been top of the line. It’s been fun going and competing with these guys every day and playing meaningful baseball right now. I’m just doing everything I can to help this team win.”

Worth noting

• Outfielders Mitch Haniger (ruptured testicle) and Braden Bishop (lacerated spleen) are both on track to begin Minor League rehab stints early next week. The two have been out for 2 1/2 months and will probably need 25-30 at-bats or more -- which means a week or more of games -- to regain their timing, Servais said.

• Dee Gordon (strained left quad) saw a doctor on Friday for final clearance before he either begins a brief rehab stint or makes an immediate return to the Mariners.

• Reliever Dan Altavilla (right forearm strain) looked good in a live batting practice situation Thursday against Gordon and will begin a rehab stint Sunday. Fellow right-hander Austin Adams (right shoulder strain) will throw a bullpen Tuesday as he ramps up his own throwing program.

• The Mariners traded Minor League catcher Jose Lobaton to the Dodgers in a cash deal. The 34-year-old hit .236 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs in 75 games for Tacoma and was eligible to be dealt after the July 31 Trade Deadline because he was not on Seattle’s 40-man roster.