Mariners’ Lee feels great after pitching simulated game

SEATTLE — Cliff Lee felt great after throwing 51 pitches in a simulated game on Friday, punctuating the session with fist bumps and high-fives.

The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner remains on track to make his debut for the Seattle Mariners in two weeks.

Seattle’s prized winter acquisition from Philadelphia said he threw all of his pitches with 100 percent effort. It was the ace left-hander’s first work against hitters since he strained his abdomen on March 15.

“I feel as good as I feel in the middle of the season when things are going well,” he said. “I just have to build up the tolerance to throw 100 pitches or so.”

Lee was amped for the outing held before batting practice, about four hours before Seattle and right-handed ace Felix Hernandez hosted Detroit. Lee gave out fist bumps and high-fives to the hitters he faced — teammates Eric Byrnes, Adam Moore and Matt Tuiasosopo.

“No pain. No pain at all. I feel perfectly normal,” he said, explaining his arm feels like he’s in the second or third week of spring training. “It feels good to face hitters. It’s been a little while for me.

“It’s what my job is,” he added. “To get to work on that is definitely important.”

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik watched from the batting cage — and felt like giving out fist bumps, too. His grand plan of having Hernandez, Lee and former Baltimore Orioles ace Erik Bedard 1-2-3 in the rotation is coming closer to reality.

“It was good — really good. Exciting,” Zduriencik said

Lee will throw another simulated game in Seattle on Tuesday. The ace left-hander will then have a minor league rehabilitation outing on April 25. The Mariners would like that to be with Triple-A Tacoma, depending on the weather in Western Washington on that day because the Rainiers play at home.

Once he’s activated, Lee may begin serving a five-game suspension for throwing over the head of Arizona’s Chris Snyder in an exhibition game. The Mariners have Lee penciled in to start May 1 or 2 at home against Texas.

Lee has appealed the suspension, and the Mariners expect to get word on that from the league by Monday.

Bedard, sidelined since August from shoulder surgery, threw another bullpen session on Friday. The left-hander could be back before June.

“If you’re going to fast-forward to the future, on a Friday night we’ll have Felix, on a Saturday we’ll have Cliff and then there’s Erik, who will be coming back. It’s exciting to think about that,” Zduriencik said.

“This is a positive step, a big positive step.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tulalip Heritage’s JJ Gray makes a layup during the winner-to-state playoff game against Muckleshoot Tribal School on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hawks beat ‘brothers from the south’ to earn state bid.

Tulalip Heritage wins Tri-District game, pride against Muckleshoot Tribal School.

Stanwood junior Ellalee Wortham (2) lunges toward the basket past several Monroe defenders to attempt an underhand layup in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. Wortham scored 33 points in the 59-41 win for the Spartans, eclipsing 1,000 career points. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Wortham hits 1,000 career points, leads Stanwood to state

A 33-point outing led to a 59-41 win against Monroe in the Girls 3A District 1 semifinals.

The Shorewood bench reacts to 3-point shot during the 3A district playoff game against Shorecrest on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Meadowdale, Shorewood keep state hopes alive.

The Arlington bench reacts to a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Arlington, GP punch state tickets.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-15

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 9-15. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Tips Week in Review: Everett splits at Prince George, beats Victoria

Eric Jamieson’s hat trick against Victoria highlights Presidents’ Day Weekend

Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. takes the ball up the court during a Feb. 7, 2025 home league game against Monroe. (Courtesy of Spencer Janzen)
Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. stars in freshman season

The guard averaged 19 points per game for the Tomahawks this season.

Everett qualifies 13 girls for Mat Classic

Mia Cianega wins at 190 as Seagulls place third at district wrestling tournament.

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.