This will be more evident after Saturday.
Felix Hernandez is scheduled to pitch just his second spring training Cactus League start when he takes the mound against the Cubs at 6:40 p.m. Saturday at Peoria.
If he looks serviceable, as he did in his minor league start on Tuesday, then the King gets his 10th consecutive Opening Day start for the Mariners – the longest active streak in baseball – when they play the Indians on Thursday at Safeco Field.
If not, then they’ll go with their most productive pitcher (at least dating back to last year) in James Paxton, likely abbreviating his scheduled Sunday start.