Servais names Hernandez the Mariners’ opening-day starter
Published 1:30 am Sunday, March 25, 2018
PEORIA, Ariz. — Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is set to start opening day for the 10th straight year.
Manager Scott Servais made the announcement Sunday.
Hernandez will make his 11th opening-day start overall when the Mariners play host to the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night at Safeco Field.
“First of all, it’s an honor. Ten straight with one team is really, really an honor for me,” Hernandez said.
The right-hander was slowed in spring training this year after a line drive struck him in the pitching arm Feb. 26, leaving a deep bruise. Hernandez made only one Cactus League start after that, pitching 32⁄3 innings Saturday against the Cubs.
Despite the setback, Hernandez said he didn’t doubt he’d be chosen for the opening-day assignment.
Servais said he made the decision after Hernandez pitched well and felt fine following the outing against the Cubs. Hernandez is coming off an injury-plagued 2017 season.
“It’s not about one game. Our season’s about 162. Felix has earned the right, he is healthy, he’s had a good spring training, other than the fact that he hasn’t thrown a lot of innings,” Servais said. “Everything else we’ve asked him to do has been off the chart. I’m excited for him.”
Hernandez said will be monitored and doesn’t expect to throw more than 80 or 85 pitches Thursday.
Hernandez was limited by injuries and went 6-5 in 16 starts over 8 2⁄3 innings last year, the lowest totals he’s had since becoming a full-time major-league starter in 2006. He said last month when reporting for spring training that he expected to make more than 26 starts this year.
“Last year was tough, I’ve never been on the (disabled list) for that long. I’m still healthy and I can help this team win,” Hernandez said.
A month shy of turning 32, Hernandez had a pair of long disabled list stints last year because of right shoulder inflammation and bursitis.
“I feel good about putting him out there and I know he’ll compete his tail off,” Servais said. “We all know Felix is an adrenalin guy and he gets fired up when the house is full of fans and he feeds off it. He’ll handle it. But he’s deserving of it and his track record speaks for itself.”
Hernandez welcomes the moment, especially being at home.
“He knows I can compete, that’s why he gave me the ball,” Hernandez said. “I love the big crowds and big stage and all that stuff.”
Servais said Hernandez is in the best spot he’s ever seen him in terms of being a leader among his teammates and taking on a bigger role in the clubhouse.
“I asked him a question the other day in front of the whole group, ‘What completes Felix Hernandez?’” Servais said. “He looked around the clubhouse and said to his teammates, ‘It’s pitching in the playoffs with you guys.’”
Servais said left-hander James Paxton will start the second game against Cleveland. He will be followed in the rotation by Mike Leake and Marco Gonzales.
