Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

Apr 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws out a pitch in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws out a pitch in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws out a pitch in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws out a pitch in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

The King is Back!

Felix Hernandez did not get off to a phenomenal start on Opening Day against the Rangers. The 30-year-old right-hander allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 1 hit with 6 strikeouts and 5 walks across 6 innings of work. However, Hernandez rebounded nicely against the A’s on Sunday. King Felix blanked Oakland through 7 innings while allowing 3 hits, striking out 10 and walking 2.

Overall, Hernandez finished the week with a record of 0-1 and a 0.69 ERA. He recorded 16 strikeouts and issued 7 free passes. Hernandez has allowed 0.85 walks/hits per inning and he has limited the opposition to a measly .089 batting average. Those are downright filthy figures for King Felix.

Felix’s fast start is especially encouraging when you consider that 2015 was not his best season. Hernandez registered an impressive record of 18-9, but his 3.53 ERA was his worst mark since 2007. Hopefully the M’s ace can stay hot this season, as his ability to get hitters out will play a huge role in the overall success of the franchise.

Next: A-Bomb? More like A-Dud