Seattle shuts down ace Felix Hernandez for final weekend
SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is done for the season after manager Lloyd McClendon decided not to have the right-hander pitch on the final weekend.
McClendon announced his decision Wednesday before Seattle closed out a series against Houston.
McClendon said it wasn't worth the stress on Hernandez's arm to have him make one more start against Oakland. Hisashi Iwakuma will start Friday, Roenis Elias on Saturday and Vidal Nuno will pitch the season finale Sunday.
McClendon said he would have changed his thinking if the Mariners were facing a team that was in a playoff chase or Hernandez had a chance for a career-best 20th victory. Hernandez missed out on win No. 19 last Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels.
Hernandez will finish the season with an 18-9 record and 3.53 ERA.