MLB Notes: M’s Hernandez improving, will resume throwing this week

Injured Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is expected to begin regular flat-ground throwing by mid-week in his recovery from a strained right calf muscle that surfaced after his May 27 start against Minnesota.

“Felix is feeling better,” manager Scott Servais confirmed, “and he’s going to start throwing, playing catch, probably Tuesday or Wednesday, and start stretching it out from there. He’s not having any issues. His normal, everyday living is fine.”

Even so, Hernandez isn’t expected to rejoin the rotation, under a best-case scenario, until mid-July after the All-Star break.

Lefty Wade Miley, the Mariners’ other injured starting pitcher, remains on track to rejoin the rotation June 28 when eligible to return from the disabled list.

The Mariners placed Miley on the disabled list Friday because of what they characterized as a impingement in his left shoulder. He has already progressed to the point when he is soft tossing.

“It’s exactly what we figured it was,” Servais said. “We just needed to calm it down. Give it two or three days (with no activity). Skip a start or two. And get him back out there.”

Miley’s absence puts right-hander Adrian Sampson in line for another start June 23 at Detroit. Sampson allowed four runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss to the Red Sox.

Dueling Aces

Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 2.90) and Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw (10-1, 1.58) square off on Monday in a matchup of two N.L. Cy Young Award candidates.

The talented Strasburg is having perhaps the best year of his career, landing among the majors leaders in wins and strikeouts (118).

Of course, he trails Kershaw in both categories.

Los Angeles’ ace has 133 strikeouts and just seven walks this season, and Kershaw has reached double digits in strikeouts in nine of his past 11 starts.

Painful Delay

There was a lengthy delay in the second inning of the Orioles-Blue Jays game in Baltimore on Sunday after home plate umpire Dale Scott was struck in the groin with a foul ball.

Scott left the game, and Bob Davidson worked behind the plate as part of a three-man crew. The Orioles won 11-6.

Clearing the bases

The Pirates have called up C Jacob Stallings, the son of new University of Pittsburgh basketball coach Kevin Stallings. … Rockies RHP Tyler Chatwood went on the DL with a mid-back strain. … The Cardinals activated RHP Seth Maness and optioned LHP Dean Kiekhefer to Triple-A. …The Dodgers optioned RHP Mike Bolsinger to Triple-A and recalled RHP Carlos Frias. …The Brewers recalled RHP Michael Blazek from Triple-A. … RHP Paul Clemens was recalled from Triple-A to join the Marlins’ rotation to replace struggling LHP Justin Nicolino.