Felix Hernandez's banishment to the bullpen did not last long.
With staff ace James Paxton on the 10-day disabled list after taking a line drive off his left forearm in the first inning last Tuesday in Oakland, "King Felix" will return to the rotation when the Seattle Mariners host the American League West-leading Houston Astros in the opener of a three-game series on Monday night.
Hernandez (8-11, 5.62 ERA) is scheduled to be opposed by Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole (11-5, 2.71).
Hernandez lost his spot in the rotation after going 8-10 with a 5.