Arrow-right Camera
Subscribe now
Seattle Mariners

Mariners ace Felix Hernandez hit in pitching arm by liner, exits

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez takes part in a drill during a baseball spring training workout, Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, in Peoria, Ariz. He was injured in Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and the Mariners said they expect to release more information on Tuesday, Feb. 27. (Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press)
Associated Press

MESA, Ariz. – Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez was hit in his pitching arm by a line drive Monday and forced to leave his spring training debut.

Hernandez was struck on the upper right forearm by a liner from Victor Caratini of the Chicago Cubs.

The Mariners said Hernandez would be examined at the team complex in Peoria, and it would be determined if an X-ray or further testing was needed.

The club said it might not have a full update on Hernandez until Tuesday. The 31-year-old star was slowed by injuries last year and hoping to start out strong this season.

After being hit, Hernandez immediately grabbed his arm and didn’t pursue the ball on the infield grass.

Hernandez went down to a knee, hopped up and walked around in obvious pain. He headed to the dugout with a trainer holding his arm, and Caratini gave him a tap of encouragement.

Monday’s game ended in a 9-9 tie. Mariners minor league infielder Seth Mejias-Brean belted a pinch-hit grand slam with two outs in the top of the seventh inning and Dee Gordon hit a three-run home run for Seattle.