VIDEO: Felix Hernandez Pulls Himself From Minor League Rehab Start With 'Fatigue'
By Mark Powell
All things considered, this is an overwhelmingly positive for Seattle Mariners veteran Felix Hernandez. King Felix has dealt with a multitude of injuries lately, including a lat issue which landed him on the injured list earlier this season. In Hernandez's latest rehab start in Tacoma, he left after just 30 pitches despite being slated to throw around one more inning of work.
.@Mariners ace Felix Hernandez exits his rehab start with @RainiersLand after facing three batters in the third.
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 15, 2019
➡️ https://t.co/vEXPtdhoIR pic.twitter.com/hF4ClJL87Z
Some reports stated that Hernandez actually pulled himself, leaving many to wonder if the former Mariners ace was dealing with an injury, or if he'd re-aggravated his pre-existing issue. Thankfully, it appears to be none of the above.
Update on Felix Hernandez - He was not experiencing pain any pain. He left the game with fatigue as a result of it being his first rehab start.
— Jen Mueller (@JenTalksSports) June 15, 2019
While a better outcome than an injury, this doesn't mean Hernandez was in the clear. Considering he was scheduled to throw over 50 pitches, being fatigued after just 30 is a sign the M's might have to slow down his rehab process, or at least get him another start before reinserting him into the big league rotation or bullpen.