34 Felix Hernandez SP

Hernandez (hamstring) dropped to 8-14 for the season after giving up five runs (four earned) on three hits and two walks over four innings Wednesday in the Mariners' 9-3 loss to the Athletics. He struck out four in the 74-pitch outing.

The 32-year-old had been sidelined for two and a half weeks with the hamstring issue, so it's not overly surprising he faced a more limited pitch count than usual in his return to the mound. Even when no limitations have been in place with his workload this season, Hernandez has rarely provided the Mariners with quality innings as his career-worst 5.55 ERA and 1.40 WHIP attest. Hernandez remains under contract through next season and has a full no-trade clause, so it seems likely that he'll be back in Seattle in 2019 even though he no longer looks like a rotation-caliber pitcher, much less the staff ace that he once was.

Hernandez (hamstring) is listed as the probable starter for Wednesday's game against the Athletics, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Hernandez was scheduled for a bullpen session Saturday, which apparently went well with him now listed as a probable starter. It would be the final start of the season for the 32-year-old, who has a 5.46 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 151.2 innings this season.

Hernandez (hamstring) threw off flat ground and will toss a bullpen session Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has been battling a hamstring issue since Sept. 8, but he could return to action soon if his impending bullpen goes well. Although he isn't currently listed as a probable starter for Seattle's weekend series with Texas, he could take the mound for one final start this season, which would come sometime next week. The 32-year-old will likely be evaluated following Saturday's throwing session to determine whether he's healthy enough to toe the rubber.

Hernandez (hamstring) isn't expected to pitch for the Mariners until the team's season-ending homestand next week, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez resumed throwing Monday and was expected to throw a bullpen session by Thursday or Friday in preparation for a return to the mound by the weekend, but that plan won't come to fruition. He's not listed among the team's probable starters for the three-game series against the Rangers that begins Friday, suggesting that he'll need additional time to gear up for game action. With James Paxton (illness) also expected to return next week to give the Mariners five healthy starters, it's unclear if there will be a spot in the rotation available for Hernandez once the veteran is deemed ready.

Hernandez (hamstring) took Sunday off from any physical activity but will resume throwing Monday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez continues to work his way back with an eye on rejoining the team at some point during an upcoming road swing through Texas. Even after he does meet up with the club, however, his exact return date to the rotation is still to be determined by manager Scott Servais.