Hernandez’s speed not a concern

PEORIA, Ariz. – Felix Hernandez deflected questions about his falling fastball velocity with a smile.

“I was throwing everything – curveballs, sliders, changeups,” the Mariners ace said after Seattle’s 7-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday. “It’s spring training, man. I feel good.”

Hernandez threw four shutout innings, striking out six. His fastball was tracked as high as 91 mph, according to MLB.com’s pitch tracker. Last year he averaged 93.3 mph.

Seattle manager Eric Wedge said Hernandez’s speed is not an issue for him.

“He’s a pitcher first and foremost. The life he has on the baseball, that’s what matters.”

Mariners catcher Jesus Montero was hit in the helmet by Rockies reliever Edgmer Escalona in the sixth inning. Montero was taken out of the game. He appeared no more than shaken, and the two exchanged words.

Ichiro Suzuki hit an RBI double off Rockies starter Jamie Moyer, and Brendan Ryan had three hits and drove in a run in a three-run fourth.