Timetable for Hernandez’s return to M’s rotation could come into focus

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The timetable for Felix Hernandez’s return to active duty could come into clearer focus Thursday after the Seattle Mariners learn the results from the latest examination on his strained right calf muscle.

Hernandez hasn’t pitched since May 27 and remains on limited activity in an effort to maintain arm strength. He was scheduled to undergo a re-examination Wednesday to gauge his recovery.

“He’s playing catch,” Griffin reported. “He threw 25 (Tuesday) seated on a chair. Then he had his boot on, and he threw 30 standing up. That did not bother him. He’s obviously not throwing hard. He’s just doing things to keep his arm (active).”

Hernandez indicated recently that he didn’t expect to return until after the All-Star break, which club officials generally acknowledge as a reasonable target date.

Manager Scott Servais reiterated Wednesday that Hernandez, once cleared, will need a build-up program before returning to the rotation.

“It’s going to take some time,” Servais said. “You can’t just fire him out there and expect six innings and 100 pitches right out of the chute. That’s not fair to him.

“Once we get closer to getting him playing catch and moving around better, then we can putting plans together. The longer it goes, the longer it takes to build him back up.”