Jul 9, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning at Safeco Field. Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners suffered a big blow Tuesday when it was revealed right-hander Felix Hernandez will miss 3-to-4 weeks with bursitis in his pitching shoulder.
Hernandez was scratched from his Saturday start against the Kansas City Royals and placed on the 10-day disabled list. Medical tests performed Monday in Seattle detected the seriousness of the injury.
In addition, right-hander David Phelps was placed on the disabled list with an impingement in his pitching elbow. He is slated to miss 2-to-3 weeks.
Phelps was injured during Sunday’s game against Kansas City and departed after facing one batter.
Seattle is in the mix for an American League wild-card berth and the loss of the two pitchers could hurt that quest.
Hernandez, a former Cy Young Award winner, is just 5-4 with a 4.28 ERA this season but still ranks as the club’s second-best starter behind left-hander James Paxton.
Phelps was recently acquired from the Miami Marlins to improve the team’s pitching depth. He is 3-5 with a 3.33 ERA in 54 innings this season.
The Mariners also officially added All-Star first baseman Yonder Alonso to the roster prior to Tuesday’s game against the Oakland Athletics. Seattle acquired Alonso (22 homers) from the Athletics in a trade on Sunday.
