34 Felix Hernandez, SP

Mariners starter Felix Hernandez was not at his best Sunday at Cleveland. With Justin Masterson dominant for the Indians, Hernandez suffered the loss.

The starter entered the outing after being cleared during the week following his last outing against the Yankees when he tweaked his back. Hernandez had the shortest outing of his season as he threw 107 pitches over five innings, though it doesn't appear he was limited by the back.

Hernandez fell to 5-3 with a 2.07 ERA as he allowed six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and two walks. He struck out eight. King Felix gave up two runs in the first inning and was down 5-0 after two as he allowed a three-run home run to Michael Brantley. Sunday marked the first time since April 11 that Hernandez allowed more than an earned run in any outing.

The 27-year-old snapped a four-game winning streak Sunday and will look to start another winning streak Saturday against Texas.

Mariners starter Felix Hernandez received further medical clearance from manager Eric Wedge on Saturday, MLB.com reports. Hernandez is expected to start Sunday's game against the Indians.

Hernandez tweaked his back Tuesday against the Yankees, but he has been expected to make Sunday's start all week.

Hernandez is 5-2 with a 1.53 ERA.

Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez, who tweaked his back in Tuesday's start against the Yankees, felt fine Wednesday afternoon, MLB.com reports.

"He’s good," manager Eric Wedge told MLB.com. "He said it was pretty sore this morning, but he feels good and [trainer Rick Griffin] felt he got him in a good place after the game last night and he’s feeling good today, so we should be fine."

Wedge added that he expects there to be no changes to Hernandez's preparation for his next start Sunday.

Mariners ace Felix Hernandez was just a little better than Yankees ace CC Sabathia on Tuesday night in the Bronx. That said, both pitchers walked away with no-decisions.

Hernandez was leading 3-1 until Robinson Cano tied it with a double. The Yankees took the lead in the seventh after Hernandez left after landing awkwardly and tweaking his back. Manager Eric Wedge said the injury isn't serious and no tests are planned, the New York Daily News reported after the game.

The starter allowed just one earned run -- coming on a Lyle Overbay double in the sixth inning -- on five hits and two walks over six innings with eight strikeouts. He threw 97 pitches before leaving the game and has a 1.53 ERA.

Hernandez is 5-2 and had won four straight starts before taking the no-decision Tuesday. As long as he's healthy enough to make it, his next outing is scheduled for Sunday at Cleveland.