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Felix Hernandez is the man. We have known this for a while. In addition to having a great fastball, a power changeup that baffles hitters, and a great curveball, Felix is just the man.
It’s not all about stuff for the King. He’s got all the tools. He’s had them for 10 years. He’s been the best pitcher in Mariners history. And on top of it all, he wants to be here. Felix Hernandez embraces Seattle and the Mariners, and he’s stuck by them through years of hardship and despair.
Hernandez is a gamer. I’ve never heard him say he didn’t want the ball, and I’ve never heard him ask out of Seattle. The same continues to be true now, as the Mariners are mired in a 73-77 season that will see them miss the playoffs again, as they have every year of the King’s career.
Felix left his last start against the Rangers with elbow stiffness. Will he make his next start?
Hernandez reports no problems with elbow after leaving Sunday's start when it stiffened up. Has no doubt that he'll make next start.
— Bob Dutton (@ByBobDutton) September 22, 2015
Ryan Divish also has this:
Asked if there was any way he could miss his next start, Felix's reply: "Ain't happening."
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) September 22, 2015
That’s why we love Felix. He’s the ultimate competitor and he’s everything the Mariners should want to have in their system. I’m proud to call Felix Hernandez the ace of the Mariners staff and I’m proud to say that I’ve been lucky enough to watch Felix pitch for the last 10 years.
Reminder that the Mariners open a series tonight with the AL-leading Kansas City Royals. The Royals are looking to inch closer to clinching the AL Central crown and the Mariners have a chance to play spoiler once again as they did with the Rangers this weekend.
Hisashi Iwakuma gets the ball in the opener. First pitch is 5:05 PST.
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