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Felix Hernandez to start Mariners opening day for 10th straight season

Hernandez will be monitored and isn't expected to throw in excess of 80 to 85 pitches or five or six innings Thursday,
Credit: Joe Camporeale
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez returns to the dugout after the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Peoria Sports Complex. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is set to start on opening day for the 10th straight year.

Manager Scott Servais made the announcement Sunday.

Hernandez will make his 10th consecutive and 11th opening day start overall when the Mariners host the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.

"First of all, it's an honor. Ten straight with one team is really, really an honor for me," Hernandez said.

The right-hander was slowed in spring training this year by a line drive that struck him in the pitching arm Feb. 26, leaving a deep bruise. Hernandez made only one more exhibition start after that, pitching 3 2/3 innings Saturday against the Cubs.

Hernandez said after the injury and recovery from it, he didn't doubt he'd be chosen for opening day.

Servais said he made the decision after Hernandez pitched well and felt fine following the outing against the Cubs. Hernandez is coming off an injury-plagued 2017 season.

"It's not about one game. Our season's about 162. Felix has earned the right, he is healthy, he's had a good spring training, other than the fact that he hasn't thrown a lot of innings," Servais said. "Everything else we've asked him to do has been off the chart. I'm excited for him and to get him out there."

Hernandez will be monitored and isn't expected to throw in excess of 80 to 85 pitches or five or six innings Thursday, he said. Servais hopes he can give the Mariners "a competitive start."

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