King Felix Leaves Early With Back Cramp

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

King Felix may have labored a bit too hard on Labor Day.

Felix Hernandez (12-9, 3.01) left Monday’s game against Kansas City in the 7th inning due to what the team called precautionary reasons, due to a lower back cramp.

Down 3-1 in the bottom of the 7th, with two outs, Felix’s 1-1 pitch to Alex Gordon caused some discomfort to the King. Manager Eric Wedge and a trainer came to the mound to visit Hernandez. After a short talk, Hernandez came out.

Both Wedge and Hernandez seemed optimistic about Felix making his next start. The medical staff looked him over after he came off the field and Felix stated he had never experienced a similar cramp before.

This could explain his recent string of bad outings. Perhaps something is physically ailing him.

Hernandez hasn’t won since Aug. 11 at home against Milwaukee. His ERA has risen 0.71 in his past six starts to the highest level it has been since his third start of 2013, when it was 3.05.

Sodo Mojo will stay on this story and bring you any breaking details in regard to The King’s condition. His next scheduled start is Saturday Sept. 7 at Safeco against Tampa Bay.

Ramirez listed as probable starter

Erasmo Ramirez, who was sent down to Tacoma on Aug. 30 simply to make room for CF Abraham Almonte to come up, is listed as the probable starter for Tuesday’s game against Kansas City. Seattle has not officially made the roster move as of this post, but the team indicated that moves would be made at the conclusion of Tacoma’s season on Monday.