Worth noting

• Felix Hernandez will throw a bullpen session Monday to test his back before his scheduled start Wednesday against the Astros. Hernandez initially was slated to throw Sunday, but the Mariners pushed that back three days after his back cramped up during his last start Monday in Kansas City.

Hernandez's back felt a little stiff when he threw off flat ground on Saturday, but manager Eric Wedge said that was to be expected as he worked his way back.

• Wedge said the fact James Paxton's grandfather died early Saturday before the rookie won his Major League debut with six strong innings in a 6-2 victory over the Rays only added to the impressive poise shown by the 24-year-old lefty.

"It wasn't something that was really out there until after the game," Wedge said. "He handled himself great. He was free and easy, he was confident, composed. I was just really impressed with him. Carrying that burden around on top of it, all the more."