SEATTLE -- Felix Hernandez will throw his second bullpen session on Friday as he continues working toward a return from the 15-day disabled list that Mariners manager Scott Servais has now targeted for after the All-Star break.
Hernandez hasn't pitched since May 27 after straining his right calf while doing pregame stretching four days later. But the 30-year-old ace got back on the bullpen mound and threw 25 pitches on Tuesday and will follow that up with a similar effort Friday.
From there, Servais said Hernandez will throw a simulated game against Mariners hitters next week, then probably make two Minor League rehab starts and be ready to rejoin the club as it comes out of the All-Star break on July 15.
"It's really important that he stays disciplined to the program, because we certainly need him back," Servais said.
Hernandez was 4-4 with a 2.86 ERA in 10 starts before going on the DL for the first time since 2008. The Mariners were 28-19 when Hernandez pitched his last game. They've gone 11-20 since, with shortstop Ketel Marte, center fielder Leonys Martin and fellow starters Wade Miley and Taijuan Walker also dealing with injuries during that span.
Worth noting
• Triple-A Tacoma outfielder Stefen Romero and right-handed reliever Blake Parker were named to the Pacific Coast League squad for the Triple-A All-Star Game on July 13 in Charlotte, N.C. Romero is hitting .336 with nine homers and 43 RBIs in 56 games, while Parker has 14 saves and a 2.15 ERA in 27 games.