MESA, Ariz. (AP) — 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.
Hernandez spent considerable time on the disabled list last season because of shoulder trouble. The 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner was 6-5 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts.
KPUG Edit: You can hear the Mariners vs. the Cubs on tape-delay tonight on KPUG 1170AM and 97.9FM with coverage starting at 6:55pm and a 7:05pm first pitch.
