King Felix won't play in 2020 due to coronavirus fears

Atlanta Braves right-hander Felix Hernandez has opted out of the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns, according to his agent Wilfredo Polidor.

The 34-year-old wants to protect himself and his family from the virus, a friend of Hernandez told MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

Hernandez signed a minor-league contract with the Braves in January after 15 years with the Seattle Mariners. He was being considered for the fifth starter's role in Atlanta's rotation.

The Venezuelan was one of MLB's best starters for most of his career, but his effectiveness has declined over the past three seasons.

In 2019, Hernandez owned a 1-8 record with a 6.40 ERA across 15 starts for the Mariners.

During his peak, he was a six-time All-Star, earned two ERA titles, and won the American League Cy Young Award in 2010.

On Aug. 15, 2012, he pitched the 23rd perfect game in baseball history.

Hernandez joins a growing list of players who are opting out of the upcoming MLB season, including Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander David Price, who also announced Saturday he won't be playing.