GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Time is quickly running short for Felix Hernandez, but the longtime Mariners ace threw aggressively on flat ground again at the club's Peoria Sports Complex prior to Saturday's game against the Reds. Hernandez said he's feeling strong as he works back from the bruised forearm incurred by a line drive in his spring debut 13 days earlier.
And while James Paxton appears to be lining up as the Opening Day starter, manager Scott Servais said he hasn't yet ruled out Hernandez pitching his 10th straight opener.
With just 19 days now until the Mariners open the regular season on March 29 against the Indians, Hernandez extended his throwing to about 120 feet and said "it's getting better every day" after completing his long-toss session with bullpen catcher Fleming Baez.