King Felix likely returning to Mariners' rotation with Paxton sidelined
Felix Hernandez's exile to the Seattle Mariners' bullpen was only temporary, though his anticipated return to the starting rotation is out of necessity.
Hernandez made his first career relief appearance Tuesday after ace James Paxton was forced to leave the game after being struck by a line drive.
The team placed Paxton on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a left forearm contusion. Hernandez will likely take his place in the rotation.
"It's unfortunate," manager Scott Servais said, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com. "Paxton has been a horse for us all year and has had a great season. But there's nothing you can do. It was a comebacker that was hit really hard, and I knew right away when I went out there that it wasn't going to be good."
Making the first relief appearance in his 14-year career, Hernandez went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out two.
"It was weird," Hernandez said, according to Michael Wagaman of The Associated Press. "I just grabbed the ball and tried to throw as many pitches as I could, trying to get loose. I know my body, I know my arm. I was ready to go.''
If the plan holds true, Hernandez will start when the Houston Astros visit Seattle next week.