Felix Hernandez threw 82 pitches (62 for strikes) in seven innings of a minor league game Thursday as he starts to build his innings in anticipation of Opening Day.

Hernandez threw 82 pitches (62 for strikes) in seven innings of a minor league game Thursday as he starts to build his innings in anticipation of Opening Day.

Analysis:

Hernandez, who allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits with six strikeouts and no walks, will next pitch Tuesday with goal of throwing 100 pitches. Then he will have six days to rest before Opening Day. He kept the ball low in the zone in Thurday's outing and all of his pitches were working.